No Se Puede Vivir Del Amor

Andrés Calamaro's song 'No Se Puede Vivir Del Amor' delves into the complex relationship between love and the practicalities of life. The title, which translates to 'You Cannot Live Off Love,' sets the tone for a sobering reflection on the limitations of love in providing for one's material needs. The lyrics repeatedly assert that love, while powerful, cannot fulfill certain essential aspects of survival, such as eating, paying debts, or purchasing a home. This refrain serves as a reality check against the often romanticized notion that love is all one needs to live.

The song also touches on the theme of love's intangibility and its insufficiency in the face of real-world challenges. References to a Roman soldier speaking to God, and Romeo speaking to Juliet, evoke historical and literary contexts where love is idealized. Yet, these idealizations are contrasted with the harsh truth that love alone cannot win wars, buy houses, or settle debts. The repetition of 'no se puede' (one cannot) emphasizes the futility of relying solely on love for practical survival.

Calamaro's lyrics also explore the emotional aspect of love, suggesting that it is 'easy to lose reason' when in love. This line hints at the irrationality that often accompanies love, and how it can cloud judgment. The song's questioning of why we talk about love or sing love songs when they 'sound bad and never have a reason' reflects a skepticism about the value society places on love. Ultimately, the song presents a dichotomy between the necessity of love for emotional fulfillment and its inadequacy in addressing the practical demands of life.