De Profesión "Parao"

José Luis Perales' song "De Profesión 'Parao'" paints a poignant picture of a solitary figure who roams the streets of Madrid. This character, a vagabond, is depicted as a shadow of the night, a confidant to an old streetlamp, and a dreamer with a mocking air. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and resilience, portraying the man as a silent observer and participant in the city's life, from Sol to Callao. His profession, as the title suggests, is being 'parao'—a colloquial term for someone who is unemployed or idle, yet it carries a deeper connotation of someone who is perpetually on the move, yet rooted in the streets they wander.

The song delves into the man's relationship with the city and its elements. He is a friend to the frost, sharing the sidewalks and sleeping under a paper sky illuminated by the streetlamp's warm light. This imagery highlights the harsh realities of his existence, yet also his acceptance and adaptation to his circumstances. The man is portrayed as a silent jester, bringing a touch of whimsy and humanity to the streets from morning till evening. His life is a blend of solitude and silent companionship with the city itself.

In the end, the song hints at the man's departure, possibly in search of a better place under the sun. The final lines suggest that he died while whistling a love song, a testament to his enduring spirit and the small joys he found in his otherwise harsh life. Perales' lyrics are a tribute to the unseen and often ignored individuals who navigate the urban landscape, finding their own form of dignity and purpose in a world that overlooks them.