Raoul And The Kings Of Spain

Raoul is Roland's son (in real life), and Roland's family is originally from Spain. This song and the same-titled album was, I believe, recorded soon after a very difficult time in Roland's marriage. Possibly Roland was having an affair, or had been thinking about it. (See my comments on other songs from this album.) Hence the lyric: "Did you know all mothers come from heaven? Did you know all fathers come from hell? That is why they're at sixes and seven. ["At sixes and sevens" is an English phrase that means being in conflict.] That is why their marriage isn't well." This statement is directed at Roland's son, Raoul, and pretty much says it all.

Magnificent song, one of my favourites on the album. I've been looking into the meaning of this one for a while, and I think imagodoc has a lot of insight on this.

The only thing I can add is that a "seventh son of a seventh son" (these lyrics are incorrect, by the way) is a lesser known myth that the seventh son of a seventh son is born with magic powers, a certain "sight" or gift, with the concept varying by location. Maybe the reference to the seventh son of a seventh son is implying that it would take "supernatural powers" to break the chains.

I also read somewhere that Roland's father used to tell them they were related to the presidents of Spain (kings of Spain) and may have elaborated a bit, but I can't seem to find it again and I don't know how credible that site was. I'd be interested in any more information on the meaning of the song, if anyone has it.

"Raoul and the Kings of Spain" is about Roland Orzabal's Spanish heritage (Orzabal's father was of Spanish-Basque descent, and his grandfather was Argentinian). Raoul was actually Roland Orzabal's name for the first two weeks of his life, but his mother renamed him Roland because the family were then living in England. Orzabal named his own first son Raoul.

To the highest rated comment, yes, Roland had an affair in 1993 which led to him recording not only this song but more specifically, “Sorry,” “Secrets,” and “I Choose You.” His wife was ready to leave him and a lot of this album is him writing about trying to get her to stay. RATKOS... yes Raoul, his eldest son, was one when this came out in ‘95. The song deals with matters of family...how marriage will always result in conflict, and there’s no way to escape “seek asylum” from marital and family bounds. But still men and women thirst for each other like the desert and the sea. I think this is Raoul’s song, he sings as if he’s telling a child about where moms and dads come from.... and yes, Roland is Spanish and Argentinian, but lives in England.

this song would make a good background for a highlight video of Raul Gonzalez, the soccer player. good song.

I think you'll find that Roland is Argentinian, not Spanish. HE was born Raoul and then his name was changed at a very early age. The song is based on stories that his father would relate or brag about. His parents claimed that they were related to Argentinian royalty.