No Es Serio Este Cementerio

Mecano's 'No Es Serio Este Cementerio' offers a whimsical and satirical take on the concept of death and the afterlife. The Spanish band, known for their unique blend of pop and new wave sounds, often incorporated clever wordplay and social commentary into their lyrics, and this song is no exception. The title itself, which translates to 'This Cemetery Is Not Serious,' sets the tone for a song that treats the typically somber subject of death with a playful irreverence.

The lyrics paint a picture of a cemetery that is anything but typical. Describing the cemetery's features, such as the twelve cypresses standing like apostles and the communal grave for the 'Heroes of Cuba,' the song creates a vivid and colorful scene. The mention of Sundays being disrupted by singing is a nod to cultural practices and the vibrancy of life that continues even in a place of rest. The dead, according to the song, are having a great time, dressing up and contemplating outings, albeit not beyond the gates, humorously reminding us that they are, after all, still dead.

The song also touches on social themes, such as class distinctions that persist even in death, as seen in the mention of the noble family's mausoleum. Mecano uses the setting of the cemetery to critique societal norms and the absurdity of maintaining social hierarchies beyond life. The repeated chorus about the dead enjoying themselves among colorful flowers and the idea of putting off heaven for the pleasures of the cemetery further emphasize the song's message: death is a part of life, and perhaps it's not to be taken so seriously after all.