Siete Vidas

Andrés Calamaro's song "Siete Vidas" delves into the complex themes of identity, fate, and redemption. The title, which translates to "Seven Lives," suggests a character who has lived multiple lives, each with its own set of experiences and moral dilemmas. The protagonist describes himself as having been many things: a virus, an anchor, a garden gnome, and even the Roman spear that killed Jesus. These metaphors illustrate a life filled with diverse and often contradictory roles, emphasizing the fluidity and complexity of human identity.

The recurring line "Soy el siete vidas" (I am the seven lives) serves as a reminder of the protagonist's multifaceted existence. He admits to having been a murderer in all his lives, and now fate has brought him face-to-face with one of his victims. This encounter with his past actions forces him to confront his own shadow, a metaphor for the darker aspects of his character. The wind and time, personified in the lyrics, seem to be constant witnesses to his journey, suggesting that no matter how much he changes, his past is always with him.

The song also explores themes of duality and transformation. The protagonist describes himself as both a prince and a beggar, a bullfighter and a bandit. These contrasting identities highlight the internal struggle between nobility and baseness, courage and cowardice. The reference to Montecristo, a character who seeks revenge while imprisoned in a mask, adds another layer of complexity. It suggests that the protagonist is trapped by his own actions and can only be freed by confronting his past. Through these rich metaphors and vivid imagery, Calamaro paints a poignant picture of a soul in perpetual search of redemption and self-understanding.