Manual Para Héroes o Canallas

Joaquín Sabina's song 'Manual Para Héroes o Canallas' is a satirical and rebellious guide that challenges societal norms and expectations. The lyrics are a tongue-in-cheek manual for those who wish to live outside the boundaries of conventional behavior. Sabina, known for his poetic and often provocative lyrics, uses this song to explore themes of defiance, nonconformity, and the allure of the outlaw lifestyle.

The song opens with a series of mischievous and irreverent actions, such as learning to laugh mockingly, refusing to give up a seat to a lady, and drawing circles while urinating. These actions symbolize a rejection of polite society and its rules. Sabina's use of humor and irony highlights the absurdity of these societal expectations and encourages the listener to question their validity.

As the song progresses, Sabina delves deeper into the life of a rebel. He contrasts the choice of a knife over a gun, cheap wine over fine sherry, and a tacky handkerchief over a tie. These choices reflect a preference for authenticity and rawness over pretension and superficiality. The mention of a 'Venus de Murcia' instead of the 'Venus de Milo' further emphasizes the value of the imperfect and the real over the idealized and unattainable.

In the final verses, Sabina paints a picture of a life lived on the fringes of society. He speaks of embracing failure, moving to the 'barrio chino' (a term often used to describe a rough neighborhood), spreading alarming rumors, and learning to be 'malo y fugitivo' (bad and fugitive). This imagery evokes a sense of freedom and adventure, but also a recognition of the consequences and hardships that come with such a lifestyle. Through this song, Sabina invites the listener to consider the allure and the cost of living as a hero or a scoundrel, challenging them to reflect on their own values and choices.