The Meaning Behind The Song: Hijo de La Luna by Mecano
Mecano is a pop band from Spain that was active in the 1980s and 1990s. One of its most iconic songs is “Hijo de la Luna” (Son of the Moon), which tells the story of a gypsy woman who makes a pact with the Moon to give her a child. The child is born with white hair, which the gypsy woman believes is a sign that the Moon is its father. The song is known for its haunting melody and its ambiguous lyrics, which have been interpreted in many different ways.
Table of Contents
The Origin of the Song
“Hijo de la Luna” was released in 1986 as part of Mecano’s album “Entre el Cielo y el Suelo” (Between the Sky and the Ground). The song was written by José María Cano, one of the members of the band. Cano has said that he was inspired to write the song by a legend he heard in the city of Córdoba, where he grew up. The legend tells the story of a gypsy who asks the Moon to give her a child. The Moon agrees to do so, but only if the child is born with white hair. Cano was fascinated by this story and turned it into a song that has become one of the most beloved in Spanish pop music.
The Interpretations of the Song
The lyrics of “Hijo de la Luna” are open to interpretation. Some people believe that the song is simply a love story between two gypsies, while others think that it is a parable about the dangers of making deals with supernatural forces. The most common interpretation, however, is that the song is about a woman who is so desperate for a child that she makes a deal with the Moon to give her one. The child is born with white hair, which the woman interprets as a sign that the Moon is its father. As the child grows up, he becomes more and more isolated from the other children in the gypsy community, who shun him because of his unusual appearance. The woman eventually realizes that she made a terrible mistake by making a deal with the Moon, and she begs for his forgiveness. The song ends on a tragic note, with the woman killing the child in order to appease the Moon.
The Legacy of the Song
“Hijo de la Luna” has become an iconic song in Spanish pop music. It has been covered by many different artists, and it continues to be beloved by fans all over the world. The song has also been used in movies and television shows, including the Spanish film “Tacones Lejanos” (High Heels) and an episode of the popular American TV series “The Sopranos.” It is a testament to the power of music to tell stories and evoke emotions in listeners.
FAQs
What language is “Hijo de la Luna” in?
The song is in Spanish, which is the native language of the band Mecano.
Is “Hijo de la Luna” based on a true story?
The song is based on a legend that the songwriter, José María Cano, heard when he was growing up in Córdoba, Spain.
What is the meaning behind the title “Hijo de la Luna”?
The title means “Son of the Moon,” which is a reference to the child born with white hair.
What genre of music is “Hijo de la Luna”?
The song is a pop ballad, with a haunting melody and emotional lyrics.
What is the message of “Hijo de la Luna”?
The message of the song is open to interpretation, but it is generally seen as a cautionary tale about making deals with supernatural forces.
Who has covered “Hijo de la Luna”?
The song has been covered by many different artists, including Il Divo, Mónica Naranjo, and Sarah Brightman.
What is the significance of the white hair of the child in the song?
The white hair is seen as a sign that the Moon is the child’s father, and it is one of the main driving forces of the story.
What is the role of the gypsy community in the song?
The gypsy community is portrayed as being superstitious and fearful of anything that is different. The son of the Moon is shunned by the other children because of his appearance, which drives his mother to desperate measures.
What is the meaning behind the line “A cambio de sonrisas de cristal”?
The line means “In exchange for smiles of glass,” which is a metaphor for something that is fragile and easily broken.
What is the mood of “Hijo de la Luna”?
The song has a haunting, melancholic mood that captures the tragic story of the gypsy woman and her son.
What is the legacy of “Hijo de la Luna”?
The song has become an iconic piece of Spanish pop music, and it continues to be beloved by fans all over the world.
What instruments are used in “Hijo de la Luna”?
The song features a blend of acoustic and electric instruments, including acoustic guitar, synthesizers, and drums.
Who are the members of Mecano?
Mecano is a trio that consists of Ana Torroja, José María Cano, and Nacho Cano. They formed the band in the late 1970s and were active until the mid-1990s.
