Plegaria Para Un Niño Dormido
Luis Alberto Spinetta
A Lullaby for Innocence: The Dreamscape of a Sleeping Child
Luis Alberto Spinetta's song "Plegaria Para Un Niño Dormido" is a poetic and tender ode to the innocence and purity of a sleeping child. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a child in a state of peaceful slumber, surrounded by a dream world filled with whimsical and comforting imagery. The child is depicted with flowers in his navel and fingers that turn into bread, symbolizing a natural and nurturing essence. This imagery evokes a sense of purity and the untainted nature of childhood.
The song continues to explore the child's dreamscape, where paper boats sail without the need for a vast sea, and the world is as sweet as a chocolate bar. This dream world is a sanctuary where countless sleeping children reside, free from the harsh realities of the waking world. The mention of "bicycles of glass" and the child's laughter suggests a fragile yet joyful existence, where the child feels as light and carefree as a sparrow, playing in gardens that can only be found in dreams.
Spinetta's plea to let the child continue dreaming underscores the importance of preserving this innocence and happiness. The lyrics implore that no one should wake the child, allowing him to remain in his state of bliss, far from the evils and sorrows of the real world. The song is a poignant reminder of the beauty and sanctity of childhood dreams, and the need to protect and cherish them. Through its gentle and evocative language, "Plegaria Para Un Niño Dormido" captures the essence of a child's unspoiled imagination and the universal desire to shield it from harm.