Cisnes
Ricardo Arjona
Swimming Through Society's Mud: An Analysis of Ricardo Arjona's 'Cisnes'
Ricardo Arjona's song 'Cisnes' (Swans) is a poignant social commentary that delves into the complexities and contradictions of modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world filled with diverse characters and situations, ranging from the mundane to the powerful, the corrupt to the innocent. Arjona uses a series of contrasting images to highlight the disparities and hypocrisies that exist within our social structures.
The central metaphor of the song compares the singer to a swan that swims through mud without getting dirty. This symbolizes the artist's desire to navigate through the filth of societal issues and corruption without being tainted by them. The reference to swans is significant as these birds are often associated with grace and purity, suggesting that the singer strives to maintain integrity amidst the chaos. The mention of people in business with high status who disguise themselves as leftists points to the hypocrisy of those who claim to support equality and social justice while enjoying the privileges of wealth and power.
Arjona's lyrics also touch on themes of power dynamics, political disillusionment, and personal autonomy. He criticizes the blind following of authority and the consequences of voting without understanding the implications, suggesting that such actions can be self-destructive. The song's refrain, 'Como los cisnes voy nadando sin embarrarme en el fango' (Like the swans, I go swimming without getting muddied in the mud), serves as a powerful statement of resistance and self-preservation in a world that often seems overwhelming and corrupt.