Décimas

Yesterday I was cooking dinner with my Portuguese roommate Mari, who I love, when she told me to look up the song Décimas (which is the Spanish word for "Tenths").  This is a song by artist Pedro Aznar, a famous Argentine folk singer.  I'd never heard the song before, but was instantly captivated by its haunting tune and melodic nuances. And all in Spanish. (I love the Spanish language...they don't call it romantic for nothing.) 

As I was lulled through each verse and chorus, I began to realize again what I have realized time and time before: music knows no bounds. It doesn't matter what language it's in, or who's singing or what instrument is used...if it's put to a tune or rhythm, it has a way of touching the mind and heart that's completely unique to its genre. Said English writer Aldous Huxley, "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." I couldn't agree more. 

Here's a clip of the song:

And if you're curious, here's the English translation of the lyrics. Mari says it's not the best translation, but you get the gist: 


Again I lost the route,
I sail in deserts
dead sea road,
mourn the whole night.
The sun slipped into his cave,
wet sink seas,
I'm a bundle of nerves,
a cry long and deep.
Do not know why I get confused
tired with your love.

At night the moon shows
lighting his face and sad,
the sky finally undressing,
death rocked his cradle.
At last the misfortune
go to sleep for a while,
remove suit and shoes,
forget my existence,
I against his sentence
declare my contempt.

Life's journey fruitful
if there are bridges to the other.
You flew, he had in us,
you went out into the world.
The resounding fell cold.
Your teeth showed oblivion.
Not sure how you feel
dumb fear this fear.
After the dream for the future
I can not live this.

At night the moon shows
lighting his face and sad,
the sky finally undressing,
death rocked his cradle.
At last the misfortune
go to sleep for a while,
remove suit and shoes,
forget my existence,
I against his sentence
declare my contempt.