Tinta y Tiempo

Jorge Drexler's song 'Tinta y Tiempo' delves into the intimate and often challenging journey of the creative process. The lyrics, written in Spanish, translate to 'Ink and Time,' which are fundamental elements for a songwriter or a writer. Drexler, an Uruguayan musician known for his poetic lyrics and innovative music, uses these elements as metaphors for the tools and patience required to create art.

The song speaks to the ephemeral nature of the creative process, contrasting the permanence of granite with the fleeting thoughts and 'presentimientos' (premonitions or intuitions) that an artist tries to capture. Drexler expresses the difficulty of waiting for inspiration and the impatience that comes with wanting to express one's feelings. The repetition of 'Tinta y tiempo' emphasizes the need for both ink (as a means to write or create) and time (the patience required for the process). The lyrics suggest that creativity is not something that can be commanded at will; it comes and goes, and the artist must navigate this uncertainty, often feeling their way through a storm without a compass.

The song also touches on the theme of not being able to fully understand or control one's own heart or the voice of inspiration. This lack of control is a common sentiment among artists, who frequently find that their best work comes from a place beyond their conscious command. Drexler's 'Tinta y Tiempo' is a reflection on the unpredictable nature of creativity and the perseverance needed to bring stories and emotions to life through art.