Tracción a Sangre

Gustavo Cerati, the renowned Argentine musician and former leader of the rock band Soda Stereo, is known for his poetic lyrics and evocative music. In 'Tracción a Sangre,' Cerati takes us on a journey through the life of a nomad, possibly reflecting on his own experiences as a touring musician. The song's title, which translates to 'Traction by Blood,' suggests a movement that is powered by life's very essence—blood, symbolizing passion and vitality.

The lyrics paint a picture of a solitary traveler moving from place to place, with the sun and the vastness of the pampa (South American plains) as constant companions. The sun, which 'has no ears but its tongue caught me,' could be a metaphor for life's experiences that speak to us without listening to our pleas or desires. The traveler finds himself in a cycle of scarcity and abundance, where even the word 'empty' fills him, indicating a profound sense of existential contemplation. The absence of silence in the pampa underscores the internal noise and restlessness that accompanies the traveler.

As the song progresses, Cerati touches on themes of truth and silence, suggesting that sometimes withholding the truth is a form of self-preservation. The night brings a sense of freedom, a respite from the day's burdens. The recurring motif of moving forward 'after a melody' implies that music is the driving force in this journey. The line 'I think I made you so mine that for a moment I forgot you' hints at an intense connection with someone or something that was momentarily lost in the depths of possession. Ultimately, the song suggests that the answers we seek are carried by the wind, ever-present but not always grasped, much like the elusive nature of truth and understanding in our lives.