Carguen, Apunten, Fuego

Joaquín Sabina's song 'Carguen, Apunten, Fuego' paints a vivid and somber picture of the life of a soldier, capturing the monotony, loneliness, and disillusionment that often accompany military service. The lyrics open with a sense of desolation, as the protagonist finds solace in the rain and the anonymity of bars, where he can drink and escape his troubles, albeit temporarily. The mention of hating couples coming out of cinemas highlights his isolation and longing for companionship, further emphasized by the absence of letters from Lucia, a significant person in his life.

The song delves into the daily grind of military life, where the captain speaks of patriotism and the sergeant of discipline, but the soldiers are more concerned with counting down the days and finding ways to cope with their situation. The imagery of soldiers receiving care packages from their mothers and love letters from their girlfriends contrasts sharply with their harsh reality, where the city feels hostile, and even the maids want nothing to do with them. This dichotomy underscores the emotional and social disconnect experienced by the soldiers.

Sabina doesn't shy away from the grim aspects of military life, including the soldiers' visits to brothels for fleeting moments of affection. The transactional nature of these encounters, coupled with the routine commands of military drills, 'Cuerpo a tierra, saluden, media vuelta, de frente, Firmes, alto, descansen, carguen, apunten, fuego,' encapsulates the dehumanizing and mechanical existence of the soldiers. Through his poignant lyrics, Sabina offers a raw and unfiltered look at the struggles and coping mechanisms of those in the military, making 'Carguen, Apunten, Fuego' a powerful commentary on the often overlooked human cost of service.