Numeral

Gustavo Cerati's song 'Numeral' is a fascinating exploration of numbers and their symbolic meanings, woven into a lyrical tapestry that challenges the listener to delve deeper into the connections between numerology, life, and existential themes. Each verse of the song is dedicated to a number, starting from one and going up to thirteen, with each number revealing a different layer of interpretation and significance.

The song begins with the number one, symbolizing solitude, and progresses through various concepts such as duality, communication, natural elements, and cosmic mysteries, all represented by numbers up to ten. The lyrics suggest a blend of personal, philosophical, and possibly spiritual insights, with references to elements like the devil, the divine, and the mystical, culminating in the personal significance of the number eleven, which Cerati identifies with his birthday. The sequence continues to twelve and thirteen, hinting at cycles, completion, and the elusive nature of luck or fate, as suggested by the line '13 no existe la suerte.'

Cerati's use of numbers not only as a structural device but also as a medium to convey deeper messages is intriguing. The song reflects on the universal and personal significance of numbers, suggesting that they hold the keys to understanding broader existential questions. The repetitive structure and the mystical ambiance of the lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the role of numbers in their own lives, making 'Numeral' a compelling piece of musical poetry that bridges the abstract with the personal.