Rio Babel

Gustavo Cerati's song 'Rio Babel' is a poetic exploration of self-discovery and the universal language of the soul. The lyrics open with a vivid image of a 'hervidero de palabras' (a boiling pot of words), suggesting a chaotic mix of thoughts and emotions. Cerati advises the listener to 'solo escucha tu alma' (just listen to your soul), emphasizing the importance of inner reflection and the universal language that transcends words. This idea is reinforced by the metaphor of 'toneladas pesan nada' (tons weigh nothing) when one is floating, indicating that burdens become insignificant when one is in tune with their true self.

The recurring mention of 'Rio Babel' serves as a powerful metaphor for life's journey. The 'aguas claras' (clear waters) that run 'profundas' (deep) symbolize clarity and depth in understanding oneself. The river, named after the biblical Tower of Babel, suggests a place where languages and cultures mix, yet Cerati focuses on the flow and the journey rather than the confusion. This river represents the continuous flow of life and the idea that one must keep moving forward, even if it means taking another boat, as mentioned in 'Y uno toma otro barco, aunque no quiera hacerlo' (And one takes another boat, even if they don't want to).

The repetitive lines 'Fluir sin un fin, mas que fluir' (Flow without an end, more than flowing) highlight the endless nature of this journey. It's not just about moving forward but about embracing the flow itself. Cerati's emphasis on 'fluir' (to flow) suggests a state of being where one is in harmony with the natural course of life, accepting its unpredictability and constant change. This song encourages listeners to find peace in the flow and to trust in the journey, no matter how uncertain it may seem.