Vivir

Ricardo Arjona's song 'Vivir' delves deep into the existential struggle of simply existing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with loneliness and the passage of time. The opening lines, 'Veo el sol resbalando en las paredes' (I see the sun sliding on the walls), set a melancholic tone, suggesting a sense of stagnation and the relentless march of time. The 'fantasmas de la noche' (ghosts of the night) symbolize haunting memories and fears that invade the protagonist's mind, making the night a battleground of emotions.

The chorus, 'Y vivir si es lo que hay' (And live if that's what there is), reflects a resigned acceptance of life. The act of 'abrir los ojos respirar' (opening the eyes, breathing) becomes a mechanical routine rather than a joyous experience. The protagonist feels trapped, as indicated by 'el patíbulo es la casa y el verdugo es el reloj' (the gallows is the house and the executioner is the clock). This metaphor highlights the oppressive nature of time and the feeling of being imprisoned in one's own home and mind.

Arjona's lyrics also touch on the theme of loss and the futility of clinging to the past. Lines like 'quedarte ahí por no perder lo que ya no es tu propiedad' (staying there to not lose what is no longer your property) suggest a struggle to let go of something that no longer belongs to the protagonist. The song's repetitive structure and haunting imagery emphasize the cyclical nature of these feelings, making 'Vivir' a poignant exploration of human vulnerability and the challenge of finding meaning in the mundane act of living.