Escribir Una Canción

Ricardo Arjona's song "Escribir Una Canción" delves into the profound and almost mystical process of songwriting. Arjona, known for his poetic and often philosophical lyrics, contrasts the act of writing a song with mundane, physiological processes like digestion. He emphasizes that songwriting is not a hurried task but a deeply emotional and solitary journey. The lyrics suggest that creating a song is akin to conjuring storms in the heart, an act that is both rebellious and confessional, much like the admission of a condemned soul.

Arjona uses vivid metaphors to describe the creative process, likening it to sneaking into the room of a nocturnal god to steal verses. This imagery paints songwriting as a divine act, filled with risk and reverence. The songwriter must tread carefully, leaving no traces, and conspiring against the dangers of being discovered. This metaphor underscores the idea that true inspiration is a rare and almost sacred theft from a higher power, a bohemian god who unknowingly shares his wisdom.

The song also touches on the pressures and compromises that come with the craft. Arjona admits that sometimes he has written songs merely to fulfill a quota or meet a demand, feeling like an architect of emotions rather than a true artist. However, he asserts that genuine songwriting is not a skill honed by practice but a defiance of routine and an assault on the impossible. The closing lines reiterate that songs are stolen from a sleeping god, reinforcing the notion that true creativity is a divine gift, not a mere exercise.