Artefacto
Gustavo Cerati
The Sweet Presage of Connection in 'Artefacto' by Gustavo Cerati
In 'Artefacto,' Gustavo Cerati delves into the complexities of human connection and the search for genuine happiness. The song opens with a plea for something sweet, a metaphor for a desire for positivity and warmth in a world that often turns bitter. Cerati's longing to hold onto this sweetness for hours suggests a deep yearning for sustained emotional fulfillment, a theme that resonates throughout the song.
Cerati contrasts this emotional depth with the impersonal nature of technology, stating, 'No es una charla de computadoras' (This is not a computer conversation). This line emphasizes the importance of real, human interaction over digital communication. The 'presagio más feliz' (happier presage) mentioned in the song hints at a hopeful future where genuine connections prevail over artificial ones. The imagery of 'mundos imaginarios' (imaginary worlds) and 'ecos de mil radares' (echoes of a thousand radars) floating through the air evokes a sense of boundless possibilities and the unseen forces that influence our lives.
The song also touches on the elusive nature of happiness, with Cerati questioning, 'Cuanto te afecta? Nadie lo sabe' (How much does it affect you? No one knows). This line suggests that the impact of our experiences and connections is often immeasurable and deeply personal. The repeated assertion that 'ningún engaño te hace feliz' (no deception makes you happy) underscores the value of authenticity in our interactions. Cerati concludes by rejecting the notion that happiness can be manufactured or predicted, stating, 'No hay ningún artefacto que sea visionario' (There is no device that is visionary). This final line reinforces the idea that true happiness and connection come from genuine human experiences, not from artificial means.