Adivina, Adivinanza

Joaquín Sabina's 'Adivina, Adivinanza' is a song that employs satire and historical references to paint a picture of a grandiose funeral attended by a mix of notorious and celebrated figures from Spanish history and folklore. The song's title, which translates to 'Guess, Riddle,' invites the listener to decipher the identity of the deceased, whose death is celebrated with a macabre joy by the dead from the cemetery. The lyrics suggest that the deceased was a significant figure, as they are placed 'to the right of God' in heaven, a position traditionally associated with honor and favor.

The song's verses list a parade of characters from various epochs and contexts, including dictators, military figures, saints, and even fictional characters, all attending the funeral. This eclectic gathering serves as a satirical commentary on Spanish history and politics, with Sabina using humor and irony to critique the legacy of certain figures and the absurdity of their imagined posthumous camaraderie. The inclusion of controversial figures alongside saints and national heroes creates a contrast that underscores the song's satirical tone.

The song concludes without revealing the identity of the deceased, maintaining the riddle proposed in the title. The celebration of the death, described with such vivid imagery and a mix of joy and despair, suggests a complex relationship with the past and the figures that shaped it. Sabina's song is a clever and critical reflection on history, memory, and the way societies commemorate their dead, leaving the listener to ponder the true subject of the song and the broader implications of its message.