El Aire de La Calle

The song 'El Aire de La Calle' by Los Delinqüentes captures the essence of a carefree and bohemian lifestyle, as experienced by the protagonist. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who rises early to work, but their work is their passion—playing the guitar and singing. This character is described as 'el descalzo' (the barefoot one), highlighting a nonconformist attitude, as they wear flip-flops even in winter to feel the morning chill. The song celebrates the simple joys of life, such as feeling the air in the streets and observing the beauty of rain puddles.

The protagonist identifies as a bohemian, distancing themselves from the more traditional and upper-class figures that roam Jerez. They express a sense of freedom from obligations, finding contentment in the colorful days and smoking flowers in the plaza. The lyrics also touch on themes of love and desire, but with a sense of detachment, as the singer claims to be a vagabond and a lover of the night. The repeated line 'El aire de la calle a mi me huele a goma fresca' suggests a fresh perspective on life, one that is raw and real, and the desire to escape uphill when things get tough.

The song also delves into the darker side of this lifestyle, with references to having 'veneno negro' (black poison) in the blood and tattoos on the arms, which could symbolize a history of hardship or addiction. Despite this, the protagonist chooses to live life as a carnival, wearing a mask and throwing themselves into the street life. The imagery of painting smells in the sand and the need for a lighter that works are metaphors for the desire to create and experience beauty in the transient moments of life.