Felicidad
La Cabra Mecánica
The Bittersweet Dance of Happiness
The song "Felicidad" by La Cabra Mecánica, a Spanish band known for their eclectic mix of rock, rumba, and other genres, delves into the elusive nature of happiness and the ironies of life. The lyrics open with a reflection on the dangers of smoking, which kills more people than plane crashes, yet the singer admits to having lost the fear of flying. This juxtaposition suggests a reckoning with mortality and the risks we accept in pursuit of pleasure or routine. The mention of a BMW ('Bemeuve'), PlayStation ('Pleiestetion'), and personal mementos in the clouds paints a picture of finding solace in material comforts and memories, even amidst the awareness of life's fragility.
The chorus personifies happiness as an unpredictable entity, likening it to a person who goes out dancing, drinks too much, and forgets their commitments—perhaps a metaphor for the fleeting and fickle nature of joy. The singer's experience of being left alone, with nothing but a goodbye kiss and the responsibility of paying bills, underscores the theme of abandonment and the search for contentment in the aftermath of a relationship.
The latter part of the song shifts to a more optimistic tone, with happiness knocking on the door unexpectedly, taking the form of a loved one. The vivid imagery of devouring the person's presence suggests an intense reunion, a moment of pure joy that is savored completely. The singer's subsequent lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking and being cautious about swimming after eating, indicate a newfound appreciation for life and health, a personal transformation inspired by this brush with happiness. The song, therefore, captures the complex dance between seeking happiness, coping with its absence, and embracing it when it arrives, however transient it may be.