El Loco

José Luis Perales' song 'El Loco' paints a vivid picture of a man who perceives the world through a unique and whimsical lens. The lyrics are filled with imaginative metaphors and contradictions that challenge conventional perceptions of reality. For instance, he describes the wind as having wings, the sun as a hanging balloon, and clouds as white horses. These poetic images suggest a childlike wonder and a refusal to accept the mundane explanations of the world around him.

The song continues to explore this theme of altered reality by flipping day and night, and describing raindrops as silver tears. This inversion of common experiences highlights the protagonist's detachment from the ordinary and his deep immersion in a fantastical interpretation of life. His guitar, which he treats as his woman, symbolizes his intimate connection to music and perhaps his escape from the indifference of the world around him. The presence of a child playing nearby and the tender kiss of the afternoon on his forehead add a layer of innocence and serenity to his otherwise solitary existence.

Perales also delves into philosophical musings, such as the idea that cold is a bonfire where words burn, and that a meadow is a perfumed silk handkerchief. He challenges societal norms by stating that wealth lies in the soul, not in material possessions, and that his hands are not just hands but white doves. These metaphors suggest a profound inner richness and a sense of peace that transcends physical reality. The song concludes with the poignant observation that life passes by in the time it takes to sing a song, encapsulating the fleeting nature of existence and the beauty of seeing the world through 'El Loco's' eyes.