Canción de Cuna de La Noche y Los Tejados

Joaquín Sabina's 'Canción de Cuna de La Noche y Los Tejados' is a poignant exploration of urban life, loneliness, and the struggles of the common people. The song paints a vivid picture of the everyday hardships faced by those who live on the fringes of society. Sabina's lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, creating a tapestry of images that evoke a sense of melancholy and resilience.

The song begins by highlighting the plight of the 'gente del montón' (the common people) with 'zapatos rotos' (worn-out shoes) and 'la foto de carné' (ID photo), symbolizing the anonymity and struggles of ordinary men and women. The 'carambola que casi salió' (the shot that almost made it) and 'la procesión del Cristo del furgón' (the procession of Christ in the van) suggest missed opportunities and the burden of carrying one's cross through life. These images collectively underscore the theme of unfulfilled dreams and the harsh realities of life.

Sabina also touches on themes of alienation and the search for belonging. The 'bar de la estación' (station bar) serves as a temporary refuge for the heart, while the 'forastero que no tiene quien lo espere' (stranger who has no one waiting for him) highlights the loneliness of the outsider. The 'cielo es una plancha de hormigón' (sky is a concrete slab) and 'un animal con gafas solo ante el televisor' (an animal with glasses alone in front of the TV) further emphasize the sense of isolation and the bleakness of urban existence.

The song's chorus, 'la canción de cuna de la noche y los tejados' (the lullaby of the night and rooftops), serves as a haunting reminder of the quiet struggles that unfold under the cover of darkness. The imagery of 'un ángel que delira en una cama de hospital' (an angel delirious in a hospital bed) and 'una lágrima de ron' (a tear of rum) adds a layer of tragic beauty to the narrative, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the fleeting nature of hope.