Longui nº 13

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a world where appearances are deceiving and authenticity is a struggle. The opening scatting, "Lari, lara, lara," sets a somewhat whimsical, almost childlike tone, which quickly contrasts with darker imagery. Phrases like "Traint l'error d'un fals acord" (Carrying the error of a false chord) and "Un llampec mut t'enlluernarà" (A mute lightning bolt will blind you) suggest a hidden, perhaps jarring, truth beneath a surface that might seem harmonious or bright. The central tension seems to lie in the performance of sincerity versus genuine feeling. The narrator observes details that are "fidels" (faithful) and "trucs sincers" (sincere tricks), but then questions if they are "prou bons" (good enough). This is amplified by the description of a "riure esquiu, somrís mesquí" (elusive laugh, mean smile), highlighting a disconnect between outward expression and inner disposition. The idea that "El temps es creua, no sap comptar" (Time crosses itself, doesn't know how to count) adds to this sense of disorientation and a lack of genuine progress or understanding. A particularly striking image is the "cuc amb cent peus" (worm with a hundred feet) who "es fa el longui" (plays the fool or pretends to be slow). This creature, a contradiction in itself (a worm with many feet), embodies a deliberate feigning of ignorance or inability. The repetition of "Sempre es fa el longui" (Always plays the fool) emphasizes this as a consistent, perhaps strategic, behavior. The lyrics suggest this feigned slowness is a way to navigate or endure, perhaps to avoid the harshness implied by the earlier "tall se'n fot" (the cut doesn't care). Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics comes from their subtle subversion of expectation. The playful "Lari, lara" juxtaposed with the cynical observations creates a disquieting mood. The focus on the performance of being "prou bons" and the deliberate "fals acord" suggests a commentary on the effort required to maintain a facade, and the inherent difficulty in discerning genuine worth or intention in a world that seems to value the appearance of sincerity over its substance.