Agua de Rio

Luis Alberto Spinetta's song 'Agua de Rio' is a poetic exploration of life's challenges and the resilience required to navigate them. The lyrics open with a vivid image of eyes 'in flames,' suggesting intense emotions or a burning desire for change. The call to 'scream even though the wind took your hands' emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself despite obstacles. Spinetta encourages continuous creation and transformation, urging listeners to rise above their circumstances and not be deceived by misleading words.

The recurring metaphor of 'agua de río' (river water) symbolizes life's constant flow and unpredictability. Described as 'turbulent and marginal,' the river invades and moves, much like the passage of time marked by the hands of a clock. This imagery conveys the inevitability of change and the futility of resisting it. The lines 'fall as they fall but will never fall' and 'dream as they dream but will never dream' highlight the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in life, suggesting that while experiences may seem repetitive, each moment is unique and irreplaceable.

Spinetta also touches on the theme of introspection and self-awareness. He advises to 'think before acting' and warns that 'devils start from within,' implying that our inner struggles often shape our external realities. The song's imagery of 'souls exhausted on their silk swings' and 'empty knots on a stem' evokes a sense of weariness and entanglement, yet there is a persistent call to rise above and continue creating. The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the message of resilience and the transformative power of creativity, urging listeners to embrace life's turbulence and find strength in their journey.