La Conciencia

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'La Conciencia' delves into the complex and often burdensome nature of human conscience. From the very beginning, Serrat paints a picture of conscience as something imposed upon us from childhood, describing it as partisan and disproportionate. He suggests that conscience is a complement to sin and remorse, robbing us of peace and appetite. This portrayal sets the stage for a broader critique of how societal norms and expectations shape our internal moral compass, often to our detriment.

Serrat continues by highlighting how conscience molds us into conventional roles where we rarely play the protagonist. He argues that conscience forces us to hide aspects of ourselves that should be displayed openly. The repeated refrain, 'Bastaría con el respeto, la sinceridad y un poquito de benevolencia,' suggests that respect, sincerity, and a bit of benevolence would suffice, yet society unnecessarily burdens us with the weight of conscience. This critique extends to the idea that conscience is unconstitutional, fostering lies and alienation, and preventing spontaneous action. Serrat likens it to a fifth columnist within the system, leading us down a rocky path and constantly reminding us of our moral debts.

The song also questions the external and internal forces that shape our conscience. Serrat points out that laws and regulations from outside, combined with the internal nagging of conscience, create a perfect storm of moral conflict. He urges listeners to investigate who benefits from this confusion of needs and vices, suggesting that liberating our senses and questioning authority could lead to a more authentic existence. By doing so, Serrat calls for a reevaluation of the role of conscience in our lives, advocating for a more balanced and less burdensome approach to morality.