Plegaria Para Un Niño Dormido

The song 'Plegaria Para Un Niño Dormido' by Almendra, an influential rock band from Argentina, is a tender and poetic ode to the innocence and purity of childhood dreams. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the simplicity of a child's imagination, where the world is full of wonder and free from the complexities and hardships of adult life. The song's title, which translates to 'Prayer for a Sleeping Child,' sets a contemplative and serene tone, suggesting that the content of the song is both a wish and a gentle reflection on the state of being a child.

The imagery used throughout the song is rich and evocative, painting a picture of a child's dream world. Phrases like 'flowers in his navel' and 'paper boats without the high seas' capture the whimsical and fantastical elements that often populate a child's mind. The reference to the child's fingers turning into bread and the world being a chocolate bar further emphasizes the magical and carefree nature of dreams, where even the impossible seems delightfully real. The repeated line 'Se ríe el niño dormido' ('The sleeping child laughs') reinforces the joy and peace found in the child's unconscious state.

The song's plea is for the child to remain undisturbed in his slumber, to continue dreaming of happiness away from the tarnish of the adult world. It's a call to preserve the innocence and bliss of childhood, a time when one is shielded from life's darker aspects. The metaphor of the child as a sparrow, free and playful, accentuates the desire for the simplicity and freedom that adulthood often lacks. Almendra, through this song, invites listeners to reflect on the beauty of childhood and the importance of cherishing and protecting it.