Duermen los Ninõs

Andrés Calamaro's song "Duermen los Niños" is a poetic and tender exploration of childhood innocence and the purity that children embody. The lyrics paint a serene picture of children sleeping, with their fists clenched, lips sealed, and eyes closed. This imagery symbolizes the untainted and untouched nature of their inner world, a realm of secrets and potential that only they possess. Calamaro urges the children to guard this innocence closely, as it represents a time when everything is pure and filled with love.

The song continues to delve into the symbolism of closed lips and eyes. The closed lips signify unspoken words and untapped potential, phrases yet to be uttered. Calamaro likens the lips to roses and fire, suggesting both their beauty and their power. This duality highlights the preciousness of the children's innocence and the latent strength within them. The closed eyes, on the other hand, represent a shield against the temptations and desires of the outside world. By keeping their eyes closed, the children remain in a state of purity, uncorrupted by external influences.

Calamaro's repeated refrain to "guárdalo bien, ciérralo bien, pequeño" ("guard it well, close it well, little one") serves as a protective mantra, emphasizing the importance of preserving this innocence. The contrast between the inner heaven and the outer desire underscores the delicate balance between maintaining one's inner purity and navigating the complexities of the external world. Through this lullaby-like song, Calamaro captures the essence of childhood as a sacred and fleeting period, urging both children and listeners to cherish and protect it.