Las Felicissimas (the Happiest ones)
A seaman on board the Spanish Armada tells the tale of their disastrous voyage.
Melodic Catalan Rock Band
Pere Flipat were a band playing Melodic Rock in the boom period of Catalan Rock (1987- 1993). We sang in English, Catalan & Spanish.
We made an album in 1991 that was moderately succesful, but lack of promotion and direction led to schisms in the band and we split up.
However, we are all still very proud of the music we made back then and that is why we want to make it available to a new generation of "Flippies" - as our fans were known.
Sadly, a reunion of the original band is now impossible because Tony, our Saxophonist, was killed in a car accident a few years back.
Story behind the song
A young Spanish seaman tells the whole story of the Spanish Armada.
Lyrics
Las Felicisimas (The Fortunate Ones) - 1588
May was drawing to a close, as from Lisbon we sailed away,
Our sweethearts, wives and mothers, saying many a prayer that day.
"An invincible Armada" - Medina Sidonia claimed,
But commander’s boasts are best ignored until victory is firmly gained.
Las felicisimas, las felicisimas - en el medio del conflicto
Las felicisimas – se dispersen a la brisa.
English ships had terrorised our merchants for far too long,
"The time has come," our King declared "to show these pirates that we are strong!
Palma’s army in the lowlands lies, with this mighty force we'll invade
And destroy the regime of this Tudor Queen, this Protestant renegade!”
CHORUS
With the moon above, we sailed below, strong in a crescent shape,
The English fleet, being far too small, their forays we soon escaped.
Off Calais then we anchored, having all but the watch retired,
Till a voice was joined in chorus by fearful shouts of "Fire!"
CHORUS
Eight fire ships bore down on us, causing panic and disarray,
We were packed too close; we had no choice, but cut cable and sail away.
The wind and English soon conspired to drive us onto the shoals,
"Claw off! Claw off!” Our captain cried "Or Mary have care of your souls!"
CHORUS
Without the troops we waited for, our invasion stood little chance.
Enemy ships cut off our rear, there could be no return by France.
The journey north, round Scotland's shores, was dangerous, long and wild,
Many ships were wrecked, many crews were lost, fortune no more upon us smiled.
CHORUS
But half our fleet returned to port, to face sorrow, disgrace and shame.
We knew we'd suffered a mighty blow and asked who was to take the blame.
For Spain had flexed her muscles, had sent her invincible fleet,
Only to find that might alone is no guarantee against defeat.
CHORUS
Translation of the chorus:
The fortunate ones (lit. the happiest ones) - in the middle of the conflict.
The fortunate ones - dispersed by the winds.
