El Hombre Extraño

Silvio Rodriguez's song "El Hombre Extraño" tells the story of a man who is perceived as strange because of his unusual behavior: he kisses everything he encounters. This man kisses people, animals, and even inanimate objects like furniture and windows. His actions are seen as bizarre by society, leading to his eventual isolation. The song uses this man's behavior as a metaphor for an overwhelming sense of love and connection to the world around him, something that society fails to understand and accept.

The man's actions extend beyond the private sphere into public spaces. He kisses street corners, sidewalks, and even theater seats, suggesting a deep, almost spiritual connection to his environment. This behavior can be interpreted as a form of protest against societal norms that dictate how love and affection should be expressed. By kissing everything, the man challenges the boundaries of what is considered normal, pushing the listener to question their own perceptions of love and connection.

Ultimately, the man's fate is a tragic one. He is taken away by those deemed 'sane' and placed in isolation, where he continues his acts of affection even in his cell. His death is described in a natural, almost poetic manner, and it is only after his passing that the world realizes the significance of his actions. The birds, symbolic of freedom and perspective, discover that the world has 'grown lips,' indicating that the man's love has left a lasting impact. This ending serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love and the often unrecognized beauty in those who are different.