Pastillas Para No Soñar

Joaquín Sabina's "Pastillas Para No Soñar" (Pills to Not Dream) is a song that delves into the theme of living a safe, risk-averse life versus embracing the uncertainties and pleasures that come with freedom and passion. The lyrics present a series of recommendations for those who aspire to live a long life, but at the cost of avoiding the very experiences that make life vibrant and fulfilling.

The song begins with advice against indulging in the 'liquors of pleasure' and avoiding heartbreak, suggesting a life of caution and restraint. Sabina uses irony to highlight the absurdity of living solely to preserve one's health and longevity, implying that such a life might be long, but devoid of the essence that makes it worth living. The mention of a mask, obeying the law, and avoiding the 'wind of freedom' further emphasizes the protective but constricting measures one might take to avoid any potential harm.

The chorus, asking if there are 'pills to not dream,' serves as a metaphor for the numbing of desires and aspirations that often comes with a life overly focused on safety and predictability. Sabina's lyrics suggest that a life without dreams, passion, or the occasional risk is hardly a life at all. The song is a reflection on the choices we make between security and vitality, and it poses a question about the true cost of a life lived in the pursuit of longevity over experience.