El Polen
Café Tacvba
The Journey of Life Through the Eyes of Pollen
Café Tacvba's song 'El Polen' is a poetic exploration of life's journey, using the metaphor of pollen to convey themes of transformation, growth, and the passage of time. The lyrics describe the seemingly mundane existence of pollen, which, despite its ability to fly, is often overlooked. This can be seen as a reflection on the human condition, where individual struggles and achievements may go unnoticed by the larger world.
The song delves into the cyclical nature of life, with the pollen's journey symbolizing the stages of human existence. The imagery of pollen falling into water and being dissolved represents the inevitable changes and challenges one faces. The line 'el fuego se va encendiendo y calor me vuelvo yo' suggests a transformation, where the individual becomes a source of warmth and energy, perhaps indicating personal growth or enlightenment.
As the song progresses, the pollen's journey continues, falling into an orchid and stretching from its stem, symbolizing new beginnings and the pursuit of higher aspirations. The mention of the sky envying the pollen for surpassing it highlights the idea of transcending limitations. However, the fruits of this journey, described as falling slowly and losing their youth, remind us of the inevitable passage of time and the bittersweet nature of growth and aging. The repeated lamentations and the need for a future ('porvenir') underscore a longing for purpose and continuity in the face of life's transient nature.