En El Séptimo Día

Gustavo Cerati's 'En El Séptimo Día' is a profound exploration of existential themes, blending metaphysical musings with personal introspection. The song opens with a sense of ennui, as Cerati describes a mundane Sunday, a day that traditionally symbolizes rest and reflection. However, for Cerati, this day is devoid of joy and meaning, represented by the 'kiss on the screen of the drive-in' that lacks pleasure. This imagery sets the tone for the song's exploration of the superficiality and emptiness that can pervade everyday life.

The lyrics then delve into more abstract and cosmic themes, referencing the 'big-bang' and the creation of the universe. This juxtaposition of the mundane with the cosmic highlights the contrast between the vastness of existence and the triviality of daily life. The repeated phrase 'Es igual' (It's the same) suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance of the inherent sameness and monotony in life. Cerati's mention of 'the eye of the needle' and 'the tip of my tongue' further emphasizes the idea of narrow, almost impossible passages and the struggle to articulate profound truths.

The chorus brings a biblical reference to the seventh day, traditionally a day of rest in the creation story. However, Cerati subverts this notion by declaring 'No descansaré' (I will not rest). This refusal to rest on the seventh day symbolizes a relentless quest for meaning and understanding, even in the face of existential uncertainty. The imagery of 'the abyss and the moon' evokes a sense of mystery and the unknown, suggesting that the search for meaning is both daunting and infinite. Ultimately, 'En El Séptimo Día' is a meditation on the human condition, the search for purpose, and the tension between the mundane and the cosmic.