Aves Rapaces
Javier Barría
The Elusive Dream: A Journey Through Desire and Impossibility
Javier Barría's song 'Aves Rapaces' delves into the complex emotions of desire and the unattainable. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of longing and the struggle to let go of something or someone that seems both desirable and impossible to attain. The recurring imagery of 'aves rapaces' (birds of prey) symbolizes a force that can elevate and take away, perhaps representing the dual nature of desire—both uplifting and destructive.
The song opens with the narrator's promise to forget someone who is 'tan deseable' (so desirable) yet 'tan imposible' (so impossible). This sets the tone for a narrative filled with internal conflict. The mention of 'viento en la ciudad' (wind in the city) and the dream ending 'como un flash' (like a flash) suggests a fleeting, almost ephemeral quality to these emotions. The line 'siempre muero en el desayuno' (I always die at breakfast) could symbolize the daily struggle and the cyclical nature of this emotional turmoil.
In the second verse, the narrator speaks of 'dos, son un mundo' (two are a world), indicating a deep connection that feels like an entire universe. Yet, the desire to 'dejarla en un vuelo' (let her go in a flight) with 'aves rapaces' underscores the painful necessity of release. The imagery of the sea and an island 'entre dos continentes' (between two continents) further emphasizes the feeling of being caught between two worlds, unable to fully belong to either. The song closes with a reiteration of the impossibility and desirability of the subject, leaving the listener in a state of reflective melancholy.
'Aves Rapaces' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of longing, the pain of unattainable desires, and the inevitable need for release. Barría's poetic lyrics and evocative imagery make this song a deeply emotional experience, resonating with anyone who has ever grappled with similar feelings.