No Permita La Virgen

Joaquín Sabina's song 'No Permita La Virgen' is a poetic exploration of the transient nature of power, beauty, and human emotions. The lyrics open with a plea to the Virgin Mary, asking her to prevent the listener from gaining power over others' tears, egos, and possessions. This sets the tone for a reflection on the dangers and futility of seeking control and dominance. Sabina warns against becoming too clever or investing in superficial symbols of power, suggesting that such pursuits are ultimately empty and short-lived, much like the quickly extinguished flames of a magazine's glossy pages.

The song uses vivid metaphors to illustrate its themes. The 'horse of Attila' that cannot trot without trampling wild tiles symbolizes the destructive nature of unchecked power. Similarly, the 'swifts' that collect equestrian statues with the intent to annoy represent the trivial and often malicious pursuits that accompany power. These images paint a picture of a world where power is both destructive and petty, leading to a cycle of harm and vanity.

Sabina also delves into the ephemeral nature of beauty. He describes beauty as a 'tail of a cloud' that ascends stairs two at a time, an exclusive membership card to the lucrative business of spring, and a barrel of beer that paradoxically kills with thirst. These metaphors highlight the elusive and often contradictory nature of beauty, suggesting that it is both alluring and unattainable. The recurring refrain of 'things that come and go' and 'brown-blooded butterflies' further emphasizes the transient and mutable nature of life, love, and emotions. The song concludes with a poignant plea not to be loved or killed by the heart, encapsulating the complex interplay of desire, pain, and the fleeting nature of human experiences.