Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manu_Chao
Discography
Clandestino (1998)
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (2001)
Radio Bemba Sound System (2002)
Sibérie m'était contéee (2004)
La Radiolina (2007)
Baionarena (2008)
Casa Babylon
Manu Chao Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Camino peleon
Entre tu mama y Babylon
Ni papa ni colchon
Entre colonia y Babylon
No te vayas de resbalon
Entre casa y Babylon
Camina la ilusion
Camino sin perdon
Entre colonia y Babylon
No te vayas de resbalon
Entre güato y bacha
Camina la cucaracha
Entre poli y pelon
Camina la represion
Entre casa y Babylon
El camino esta cabron
Entre colonia y Babylon
No te vayas de resbalon
The lyrics of Manu Chao's song "Casa Babylon" talk about the struggle of navigating through different worlds or realities. The lines "entre casa y Babylon" (between home and Babylon) serve as a metaphor for the duality of life. The singer is caught in between two different worlds - one that is familiar and homely (casa) and the other that is unknown and chaotic (Babylon). The use of Babylon here is symbolic of the city's historical and biblical significance as a place of excess, decadence, and sin.
The lyrics also touch on themes of rebellion and resistance against oppression. The line "entre poli y pelon, camina la represion" (between the cops and the baldy, repression walks) highlights the conflict between the police and those who are marginalized or oppressed. The singer is warning against getting caught up in this struggle and advises the listener to not slip and fall (no te vayas de resbalon) as they navigate through life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Casa Babylon" are a commentary on the complexities of life and the struggle to find balance between different worlds or realities. The song encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and their beliefs, to resist oppression and not to lose sight of their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Entre casa y Babylon
Between home and a chaotic, opulent city
Camino peleon
I walk through a harsh terrain
Entre tu mama y Babylon
Between your mother's home and a city full of temptations
Ni papa ni colchon
No protection or safety net
Entre colonia y Babylon
Between a close-knit community and a far-off, impersonal city
No te vayas de resbalon
Don't slip or fall, be careful
Camina la ilusion
I walk with my dreams and hopes
Camino sin perdon
I walk without regret
Entre güato y bacha
Between poverty and wealth
Camina la cucaracha
I walk like a cockroach, surviving in difficult conditions
Entre poli y pelon
Between police and criminals
Camina la represion
I walk under the threat of oppression
El camino esta cabron
The journey is tough, challenging
No te vayas de resbalon
Don't slip, don't miss a step
Contributed by Daniel S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@veroamotas
uno de los mejores conciertos del manu!!!!!!!
@humac09
I don´t understand even one word, but music´s powerfull! Great! Respect from Slovakia
@c4pstan
Santo Domingo, RepubliCA Dominicana Presente...!!!
@pochentrismo
Im surprised about the popularity of Manu Chao all around the world. The ones who dont stop admiring the world... presentes! VIVA MÉXICO VIVA LATINOAMÉRICA VIVA MANU CHAO
@orbupe
COLOMBIA - PRESENTEE!!!! RADIO BEMBA SOUND SYSTEM!!!!
@qchiman
soñar con la banda completa, se espero pronto se haga realidad, gracias por venir a Tijuana...
@deito88
Quito y todo el Ecuador presente!!!!
@Alon1402
Costa Rica, Santa Cruz; Guanacaste; PRESENTE!!
@waggsish
Best live band I ever saw, ACLFest, Austin, Texas. Back when they used to book good acts.
@boomtvweb
Argentina ¡presente!