Intento
Mexicanto
The Struggle of Expression in Mexicanto's 'Intento'
Mexicanto's song 'Intento' delves into the intricate and often frustrating process of artistic creation. The lyrics reveal a narrator who is searching for the right words and rhymes to craft a poem that can encapsulate joy and smiles. However, this quest is fraught with difficulty, as the narrator finds themselves only able to grasp fragments of verses, often in the liminal space between wakefulness and sleep. This struggle is underscored by the desire to create something meaningful and beautiful, yet the narrator feels they fall short, unable to fully capture the essence of their emotions without resorting to falsehoods.
The song also touches on the theme of authenticity in art. The narrator imagines suffering and tries to write about it, but quickly realizes that they are happy and cannot genuinely depict pain they have not experienced. This realization leads to a moment of introspection, where the narrator acknowledges the futility of trying to express something that is not true to their own experiences. Instead, they contemplate the external world, considering whether they might find inspiration in the misery they observe outside their window. Yet, even this seems insufficient, as the sound of their guitar calls them back, suggesting that music, rather than words, might be a more honest form of expression.
Ultimately, 'Intento' is a reflection on the limitations of language and the power of music. The narrator concludes that it might be better to remain silent than to sing without meaning. They express a preference for letting their hands, through the act of playing the guitar, convey more than their words ever could. This sentiment highlights the idea that sometimes, non-verbal forms of expression can communicate deeper truths and emotions than words alone.