A Pan Y Agua

Ivan Noble's song 'A Pan Y Agua' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of lost love and the lingering pain that follows. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the memories of past relationships, symbolized by 'collares de espinas' (necklaces of thorns). This metaphor suggests that these memories are not just painful but also inescapable, much like a thorny necklace that one cannot easily remove. The reference to dreaming of being named Adam, only to wake up with all his ribs, hints at a longing for a simpler, more innocent time, juxtaposed with the harsh reality of his current emotional state.

The recurring theme of loneliness is palpable throughout the song. Noble describes himself as 'abanicando el cuello roto de la soledad' (fanning the broken neck of loneliness), a powerful image that conveys the futility and desperation of his efforts to cope with solitude. The shadows left by his lost love are described as shooting 'besos calibre 22' (caliber 22 kisses), indicating that even the memories of affection are now sources of pain and harm. This metaphor underscores the intensity of his emotional wounds, likening them to being shot by a small but deadly bullet.

The chorus, with its repeated question 'Quién me va a llevar a mi cama dónde queda mi almohada?' (Who will take me to my bed where my pillow is?), highlights his sense of abandonment and longing for comfort. The phrase 'a pan y agua' (on bread and water) traditionally refers to a minimal, almost punitive sustenance, suggesting that the remnants of his lover's affection are barely enough to keep him going. The imagery of 'tiburones ciegos' (blind sharks) and 'boxeadores viejos' (old boxers) further emphasizes the struggle and weariness he feels, as he battles against the currents of fate and mediocrity, ultimately waiting for a knockout blow but still holding on to hope.