En El Rio

Vetusta Morla's 'En El Rio' is a haunting and evocative song that delves into themes of loss, memory, and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a river, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the flow of time and the inevitability of change. The song opens with the lines 'Antes de ir, Se hacen y deshacen planes,' suggesting the constant making and unmaking of plans, symbolizing the transient nature of human endeavors and the chains of guilt and responsibility that bind us.

The imagery of leaving someone 'al borde del río, Metidito en esa cesta' evokes the biblical story of Moses, hinting at abandonment and the hope for a new beginning. However, the recurring motif of the spinning wheel ('rueca') signifies the endless cycle of life and death, where the past continuously influences the present. The river's edge is described as a cage with 'muchos gallos de pelea,' symbolizing conflict and struggle, while the 'cantos de sirena' (siren songs) represent alluring but dangerous temptations.

The song's chorus, with its repeated references to the river and the night, underscores the persistent and haunting nature of these memories and experiences. The 'estampa muy goyesca' (a very Goya-like scene) alludes to the dark and violent imagery of Francisco Goya's paintings, further emphasizing the themes of suffering and human folly. The presence of a revolver on the table and the cries heard in the night suggest a sense of impending doom and the inescapable consequences of our actions. 'En El Rio' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the tension between hope and despair, and the relentless passage of time.