Nos Ocupamos Del Mar (part. Javier Krahe y Alberto Perez)
Joaquín Sabina
Harmony in Labor: A Duet of Love and Responsibility
Joaquín Sabina's song "Nos Ocupamos Del Mar," featuring Javier Krahe and Alberto Perez, is a poetic exploration of shared responsibilities and the intimate bond between two people. The song uses the metaphor of caring for the sea and the land to illustrate the division of labor in a relationship. Sabina's lyrics emphasize the balance and cooperation required to maintain both the natural world and personal relationships. The recurring theme of dividing tasks—where one partner takes care of the waves and the other watches the tide—symbolizes the complementary roles that each person plays in a partnership.
The song also touches on the exhaustion that comes with these responsibilities. The repeated line, "Es cansado" (It's tiring), followed by the image of resting together at night, underscores the idea that while the work is demanding, the reward is the comfort and solace found in each other's company. This imagery of resting together, with eyes and hands on each other's sides, conveys a deep sense of intimacy and mutual support.
Sabina also critiques the commercial world, noting that genuine messages rarely break through the noise of advertisements. He contrasts this with the authenticity of their shared labor and love, suggesting that true value lies in personal connections and the care they put into their shared tasks. The song's structure, with its interruptions and messages, mimics the way life is often disrupted by external demands, yet it returns to the central theme of partnership and mutual care.
"Nos Ocupamos Del Mar" is a beautiful testament to the power of collaboration and the quiet strength found in shared burdens. It celebrates the mundane yet profound aspects of life, highlighting how love and responsibility are intertwined in the fabric of daily existence.