Palabras Como Cuerpos

Joaquín Sabina's song 'Palabras Como Cuerpos' is a poignant reflection on the loss of authenticity and the struggle to reclaim it. The lyrics lament how society has stripped away the true meanings of words and the essence of human experiences. Sabina calls for a return to simplicity, where things are called by their real names—'llamarle pan al pan, vino llamar al vino' (call bread bread, call wine wine). This desire for authenticity extends to human relationships and emotions, which have been tainted by societal corruption and manipulation.

The song also delves into the idea of memory and resistance. Despite the theft of words, sex, and the intimate names of love and bodies, Sabina asserts that memory remains untouchable. This memory serves as a form of resistance against those who seek to dehumanize and control. The imagery of 'cuerpo bajo la ropa' (body under the clothes) and 'manos que no acarician' (hands that do not caress) highlights the dehumanization and mechanical nature of those in power, contrasting sharply with the warmth and simplicity of the life Sabina yearns for.

Sabina's lyrics also emphasize the power of language and human connection as tools of resistance. The 'dulce lenguaje de los cuerpos desnudos' (sweet language of naked bodies) symbolizes a return to genuine human interaction and love. The recurring motif of nature—'hermanos de la lluvia, del mar, de los amigos' (brothers of the rain, the sea, the friends)—serves as a reminder of the natural, uncorrupted state of being that Sabina and his peers strive to reclaim. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the anticipation that 'muy pronto va a desbordarse el trigo' (very soon the wheat will overflow), symbolizing an imminent return to abundance and authenticity.