Te doy una cancion

“Te doy una canción” by Los Miserables is a poignant and evocative piece that intertwines themes of love, memory, and resistance. The lyrics reflect a deep emotional connection to someone who is not physically present but remains a constant presence in the singer's thoughts and desires. The opening lines, “Como gasto papeles recordándote / como me haces hablar en el silencio,” illustrate the profound impact this person has on the singer, compelling them to write and speak in solitude. This unyielding attachment is further emphasized by the passage of time, which seems to stretch into years without the person’s physical presence, yet they remain ever-present in the singer's heart and mind.

The chorus, “Te doy una canción,” serves as a powerful declaration of the singer's devotion. The act of giving a song symbolizes offering a piece of oneself, a form of expression that transcends physical presence. The imagery of opening a door and finding the beloved in the shadows, or singing in the early hours when their light is most desired, underscores the intimate and almost mystical connection between the singer and the subject of their affection. Even in the absence of the beloved, the singer finds solace and purpose in the act of giving a song, highlighting the enduring nature of their love.

Beyond the personal, the song also delves into broader social and political themes. The lines, “la ciudad se derrumba / y yo cantando,” juxtapose the crumbling city with the act of singing, suggesting a form of resistance and defiance. The singer acknowledges the hatred and love they receive from others, and the expectation to remain focused on the turmoil around them. However, the singer chooses to channel their emotions and thoughts into song, asserting their right to speak and express themselves. The references to “patria” (homeland) and the imagery of a song as a “disparo” (shot), “libro” (book), and “guerrilla” (guerrilla) further emphasize the song as a tool of resistance and a means of fighting for love and freedom.