La canción del cantor

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'La canción del cantor' delves into the complex relationship between a singer and their emotions. The song opens with the singer lamenting that while they can sing about general joys and sorrows, they struggle to express their own personal feelings. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, 'Canta el cantor su pena y sus alegrías, pero nunca ha podido cantar las mías.' The singer's personal sorrows are so unique that they feel almost foreign, and even in moments of happiness, they refrain from singing to avoid tempting fate.

Zitarrosa then explores the nature of singing itself. He contrasts singers who perform borrowed songs with those who create their own, likening the former to sparrows that flock together and the latter to the solitary hornero bird, which builds its nest facing the harsh winds. This metaphor underscores the value of authenticity and individuality in art. The singer feels that each new song is a life force rising through their throat, a deeply personal and almost sacred experience.

The song concludes with a reflection on the inevitability of struggle and the importance of memory. The singer notes that there is no song that can truly capture their essence, as their life has been a continuous battle against forgetting. This struggle is a fundamental part of their identity, making their songs a testament to their resilience and individuality. Through 'La canción del cantor,' Zitarrosa offers a poignant meditation on the interplay between personal experience and artistic expression, highlighting the unique challenges faced by those who strive to remain true to themselves in their art.