Ave Seca

Luis Alberto Spinetta's song "Ave Seca" is a poetic and enigmatic piece that delves into themes of longing, desolation, and the search for transcendence. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery, creating a surreal landscape that invites the listener to explore deeper emotional and existential layers.

The song opens with a striking image of a giant without eyes and a vulva of frozen gem, suggesting a sense of coldness and detachment. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the protagonist seems to be grappling with feelings of emptiness and a desire for connection. The reference to a "psicosis de sabia" (psychosis of sap) in the branches waiting to move with the eyelids hints at a natural world that is both alive and tormented, mirroring the internal struggle of the protagonist.

The recurring invitation to "ven a volar en mi ave seca" (come fly in my dry bird) serves as a metaphor for escaping the mundane and the painful. The "dry bird" made from the remnants of ghosts and threads of diamonds symbolizes a fragile yet precious vessel for this escape. The use of ghosts and diamonds juxtaposes the ethereal with the valuable, suggesting that even in desolation, there is beauty and worth. The song's chorus, with its haunting repetition, reinforces the yearning for liberation and the hope for a different reality.

Spinetta's reference to Piazolla, a renowned Argentine composer, and the golden screen, further enriches the cultural context of the song. These elements evoke a sense of nostalgia and a connection to Argentine heritage, while also emphasizing the protagonist's desire to break free from the constraints of their current existence. The song's melancholic tone and intricate lyrics make it a profound exploration of human emotion and the quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.