El Muerto Vivo (feat. Marina "Ojos De Brujo")
Peret
The Misadventures of Blanco Herrera: A Tale of Life and Celebration
The song "El Muerto Vivo" by Peret, featuring Marina "Ojos De Brujo," tells the humorous story of a man named Blanco Herrera who, after receiving his salary, decides to go on a week-long spree, indulging in life's pleasures to such an extent that he loses consciousness and is presumed dead by his community. The song's title, which translates to 'The Living Dead,' plays on the idea that the man was thought to be deceased when in fact he was very much alive and enjoying himself.
The narrative unfolds with the community mourning the loss of Blanco, even going as far as holding a wake and forgiving his debts, only to be shocked when he returns, alive and well, declaring that they had mistaken another corpse for him. This twist leads to a comical situation where his wife refuses to accept him back, not wanting to 'sleep with the dead.' The catchy refrain 'Y no estaba muerto no, no' ('And he was not dead, no, no') emphasizes the lively and celebratory nature of the song, which is characteristic of Peret's style, known for blending elements of rumba catalana with pop and rock influences.
The song serves as a metaphor for the celebration of life and the joy of living in the moment. It also touches on themes of identity, the quickness to judge, and the consequences of one's actions. The lively rhythm and humorous lyrics make it a song that not only tells a story but also invites listeners to reflect on the importance of not taking life too seriously and the value of second chances.