Camelot

Silvio Rodriguez's song 'Camelot' is a haunting and poetic exploration of human nature, power, and the cyclical nature of violence. The song opens with a vivid image of three witches by a lagoon, concocting a thick brew that includes the moon, lamb's blood, and the last kisses. This imagery sets a mystical and foreboding tone, suggesting that the world is being shaped by dark and ancient forces. The reference to Camelot, a legendary kingdom often associated with nobility and chivalry, contrasts sharply with the ominous activities of the witches, hinting at the corruption and decay of ideals.

The lyrics then shift to describe signals from Camelot, carried by dragons and horns, and a silence filled with the anticipation of hellish events. This silence of animals could symbolize a natural world holding its breath in the face of impending doom. The song critiques the human tendency to hate and harm others, describing it as our 'luck' and 'vineyard,' a bitter harvest of violence and bloodshed. The imagery of becoming 'birds of prey' when others are desecrated and killed underscores the predatory nature of humanity.

Rodriguez further delves into the theme of power and oppression with the mention of 'two hunchbacks from the north' and a 'dwarf pimp,' who recruit tribes and courts to manage shackles and hearts of steel. This grotesque trio represents the abominable and sadistic rulers who perpetuate suffering and control. The song evokes the Middle Ages, a time of brutal repression, drawing parallels to contemporary times where the impulse to love and connect is often overridden by the primal urge for revenge and retribution. The final lines, 'eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth,' encapsulate the tragic cycle of violence that continues to plague humanity.