"Algo Personal" (Something Personal) is a song by Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat. The song criticizes political and public figures who use manipulation, corruption, and deception to gain power and maintain control. The lyrics suggest that these individuals may have started off as seemingly good-natured people who did small acts of kindness, such as stealing flowers to give to their mothers or feeding pigeons. However, their true intentions and actions became darker, as they rose to become powerful figures with ulterior motives. Serrat accuses them of being puppets, using patriotism and honor as a cover for their hidden agendas. He refers to them as "straw men" who manipulate and deceive society for personal gain. They lead double lives, posing as defenders of the people while engaging in malicious activities. These figures are surrounded by protocol, entourage, and security, and travel in armored cars to spread rumors and lies. They spend extravagantly, collecting spies, blacklists, and weapons. Serrat finds it shameful how they boast and compete to display their power. The song portrays them as hypocrites who claim to be fighting for peace but are willing to resort to violence. They blame others when things go wrong and force their perspectives on society, using fear and threats to control the narrative. Serrat suggests that these figures are disconnected from reality, forgetting the welfare of children and denying basic needs like bread and salt to the people they claim to serve. Despite their actions, these figures constantly declare their efforts to promote peace and unity, even though they have never experienced genuine friendship or empathy. They use political jargon and promises to manipulate the masses, all the while having something personal against Serrat himself. At the end of the lyrics, Serrat sarcastically remarks that these figures promote the idea of a peaceful future and friendship, but their actions and manipulation contradict these ideals. He criticizes their attempts to create a framework that only benefits themselves and their own interests, rather than genuinely fostering love, companionship, and peace. "Algo Personal" serves as a critique of political power, corruption, and manipulation. Serrat calls out the hypocrisy and deceit of those in positions of authority, highlighting the need for transparency, empathy, and genuine care for the people they claim to represent.
