Locos de Atar

Joaquín Sabina's song 'Locos de Atar' is a poetic rebellion against the monotony and constraints of everyday life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple caught in the routine of work and societal expectations, yearning for freedom and spontaneity. The song begins with a jarring wake-up call, symbolizing the abrupt end of a moment of pleasure and intimacy, replaced by the cold reality of daily obligations. This transition from warmth to coldness, from pleasure to duty, sets the tone for the rest of the song.

Sabina uses the metaphor of a 'jarro de agua fría' (a cold jug of water) to describe the sudden shift from a sweet, pleasurable moment to the sourness of routine. The lyrics 'de nueve a dos, de cuatro a seis' (from nine to two, from four to six) highlight the rigid structure of the workday, contrasting sharply with the protagonist's desire for freedom and self-expression. The repeated refrain 'Diles que no piensas fichar' (Tell them you don't plan to clock in) serves as a rallying cry for rejecting societal norms and embracing a more liberated, passionate way of living.

The song also touches on the dehumanizing aspects of modern work life, likening it to 'bailar con un ordenador' (dancing with a computer) and 'el bolero del masoca' (the masochist's bolero). These lines emphasize the mechanical, joyless nature of the daily grind, devoid of genuine human connection. Sabina's call to 'pon el reloj a la hora de los locos de atar' (set the clock to the time of the madmen) is an invitation to break free from these constraints, to live passionately and authentically, even if it means being seen as 'mad' by societal standards.

The song's message is clear: life is too short to be spent in monotonous routines and unfulfilling work. Instead, Sabina urges us to embrace our desires, to live boldly and authentically, and to reject the societal pressures that seek to confine us. 'Locos de Atar' is a celebration of freedom, passion, and the courage to live life on one's own terms.