¿Quien mató a Tom McCoffee?

The song "¿Quien mató a Tom McCoffee?" by Ultimo Aviso is a darkly humorous narrative that blends elements of a murder mystery with satirical commentary on the jazz world. The lyrics unfold as a dialogue between various characters, including a pianist, a lieutenant, and a sergeant, creating a theatrical atmosphere. The story revolves around the murder of Tom McCoffee, a saxophonist and songwriter, and the investigation that follows.

The song opens with the pianist reminiscing about her difficult childhood, filled with neglect and abuse, which sets a somber tone. However, the narrative quickly shifts to a more absurd and comedic style as the investigation begins. The lieutenant and sergeant question the pianist and other characters, revealing a web of deceit, betrayal, and dark humor. The pianist, who initially denies any involvement, eventually reveals that she and others conspired to kill Tom McCoffee due to his terrible musical abilities.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references. The pianist's description of her chaotic family life and her only friend, a dog that mistreats her, serves as a metaphor for her troubled past and the lack of genuine relationships. The recurring mention of "Rizos Negros" (Black Curls) and the distinctive perfume symbolizes the presence of a sinister figure in the jazz community. The song's climax reveals that the sergeant, disguised as Rizos Negros, is the murderer, adding a twist to the narrative.

The song's satirical tone is evident in the exaggerated descriptions of Tom McCoffee's musical incompetence and the characters' nonchalant attitudes towards murder. The final verses, where the characters confess to the crime and mock Tom's musical skills, highlight the absurdity and dark humor that permeates the song. Ultimately, "¿Quien mató a Tom McCoffee?" is a clever and entertaining critique of the jazz world, wrapped in a murder mystery format.