Bien Alto
La Renga
The Ascent of Ambition in 'Bien Alto' by La Renga
The song 'Bien Alto' by La Renga, an Argentine rock band known for their raw energy and straightforward rock sound, delves into the metaphorical journey of striving for greater heights and the relentless pursuit of ambition. The lyrics poetically question the nature of this pursuit, asking how high 'this height' is and acknowledging that the higher one climbs, the further they can potentially fall. The song captures the essence of human desire to constantly reach for more, to climb higher, and the inherent risks that come with such ambition.
The imagery of climbing an endless slope and crossing the sky suggests a journey with no clear destination, symbolizing the insatiable nature of human aspiration. The horizon is described as always being 'one step higher,' indicating that no matter how much one achieves, there is always something more to strive for. This can be both exhilarating and exhausting, as the song also touches on the madness ('locura') that can come from such an unending quest. The duality of life is also present in the lyrics, with the acknowledgment that death awaits both at the bottom and at the top, suggesting that the outcome is the same regardless of one's level of success.
'Bien Alto' resonates with listeners who have experienced the dizzying heights of success and the fear of the abyss below. It's a reflection on the human condition, the pursuit of goals, and the existential questions that arise when one contemplates the meaning of progress and the point of it all. La Renga's music often explores themes of personal struggle and societal issues, and 'Bien Alto' is a powerful example of their ability to connect with deeper philosophical questions through rock music.