Mejor No Saber Nada

Victor Manuel's song 'Mejor No Saber Nada' delves into the human tendency to seek comfort in ignorance amidst the overwhelming realities of the world. The lyrics paint a picture of someone engaging in simple, everyday activities like smoking a cigarette or doing a crossword puzzle, as a way to escape the harsh truths of hunger, war, and suffering. The metaphor of watching smoke drift away like a departing ship symbolizes the desire to distance oneself from these painful realities. The refrain 'Mejor no saber nada' (Better not to know anything) underscores the theme of willful ignorance as a coping mechanism.

The song also touches on the futility of seeking certainty in an uncertain world. The protagonist finds solace in reading horoscopes, despite knowing that they are not reliable. This act of clinging to trivial certainties highlights the human need for stability in a world that is constantly changing and often chaotic. The lyrics suggest that people prefer to focus on immediate, tangible pleasures, like eating a meal, rather than confronting the distant and abstract suffering of others. The mention of Somalia and Sarajevo serves as a stark reminder of the global issues that many choose to ignore.

In the final verse, the song takes a darker turn as the protagonist faces a sudden, urgent situation. The abrupt shift from mundane activities to a crisis moment illustrates the fragility of the comfort bubble that people create for themselves. The reference to watching a lottery draw on TV while someone nearby experiences a medical emergency serves as a poignant commentary on the disconnect between personal comfort and the suffering of others. Victor Manuel uses this contrast to emphasize the moral implications of choosing ignorance over awareness, urging listeners to reflect on their own responses to the world's challenges.