Néctar

Luis Alberto Spinetta, a legendary figure in Argentine rock, crafts a deeply introspective and poetic narrative in his song 'Néctar.' The lyrics are rich with metaphors and abstract imagery, reflecting on the fleeting and often incomprehensible nature of life and consciousness. The recurring motif of 'néctar' symbolizes the essence or the most valuable part of life, which seems to be taken away or lost upon waking from a dream-like state.

The song opens with the image of a light bulb turning on, which Spinetta quickly clarifies as a metaphor for his own mind igniting with thoughts. This sets the tone for the introspective journey that follows. He speaks of a flower that has withered, symbolizing lost beauty or opportunities, and the cyclical nature of time. The repeated line 'Nunca entiendo el despertar' (I never understand waking up) underscores a sense of confusion and disorientation, as if the clarity and peace found in dreams are snatched away by the harsh reality of waking life.

Spinetta's use of surreal imagery, such as imagining an angel growing tired of being an angel and feeling like 'gelatina sin un esqueleto' (gelatin without a skeleton), conveys a sense of vulnerability and lack of structure in his existence. The song also touches on themes of existential searching and the desire for peace, as seen in the lines about fixing one's life on a past point and seeking a dream where he can finally live in peace. The 'néctar' thus becomes a metaphor for the elusive essence of life that he yearns to grasp but finds slipping away with each awakening.

The song's abstract and poetic nature invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loss, confusion, and the search for meaning. Spinetta's unique blend of rock and lyrical depth makes 'Néctar' a profound exploration of the human condition, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the sting of waking from a beautiful dream to face the complexities of reality.