Ruido
Joaquín Sabina
The Sound of Disconnection: Analyzing Joaquín Sabina's 'Ruido'
Joaquín Sabina's song 'Ruido' (Noise) is a poignant exploration of a relationship's dissolution amidst the overwhelming noise of life and miscommunication. The song begins with a romantic gesture, as a woman asks to be taken to the end of the world, and the man responds by offering her all the waves of the sea. This metaphor suggests a grand promise of love and adventure. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that their desires and expectations are misaligned; she longs for excitement symbolized by ships, while he is unsure of what to provide, leading to a metaphorical 'red numbers' or debt in the account of forgetting.
The chorus emphasizes the 'noise' that pervades their relationship, a cacophony of distractions and misunderstandings that ultimately leads to its end. The noise is described through various images: windows, apples rotting, scissors, and stairs, all contributing to a sense of chaos and decay. The repetition of 'so much noise' underscores the idea that the essential communication and connection between the couple have been drowned out by external and internal turmoil.
Sabina's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has been eroded by the 'epidemic of sadness' and the relentless noise of life. The song ends with a reflection on solitude, suggesting that in the end, the noise has led to a profound sense of isolation. The various types of noise mentioned throughout the song—ranging from the mundane to the metaphorical—serve as a powerful symbol for the barriers that prevent true understanding and intimacy.