Esperando a Nacer
Pancho Puelma
The Innocence of Birth and the Weight of Expectations
The song "Esperando a Nacer" (Waiting to be Born) by Pancho Puelma is a poignant reflection on the innocence of a child in the womb and the societal and familial expectations that await them in the outside world. The lyrics are written from the perspective of an unborn child who is content in their current state, feeling love and lacking worries. The child expresses a desire to remain in this state of blissful ignorance, away from the pressures that will come with life after birth.
As the song progresses, the voices of family members can be heard projecting their hopes and dreams onto the child. They express wishes for the child to become an engineer, architect, artist, or to follow in the footsteps of Jesus or become a wealthy entrepreneur. These projections highlight the common tendency of adults to impose their own aspirations onto children, often without considering the child's individuality or desires. The repeated line, "Y yo solo quiero aprender a respirar" (And I just want to learn to breathe), emphasizes the child's wish for simplicity and the fundamental need to experience life on their own terms.
"Esperando a Nacer" touches on the universal themes of birth, innocence, and the complex web of expectations that society and family weave around new life. It's a call for the recognition of the individual spirit and the importance of allowing children to grow and discover their own paths, free from the heavy burden of fulfilling others' dreams. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of expectations and the longing to live authentically.