Antes de Morirme - feat. ROSALÍA

"Antes de Morirme" (Before I Die) is a defiant anthem about the urgency of living life to its fullest potential. The lyrics express a strong rejection of societal norms and a desire to experience everything—love, success, pleasure—without restraint before time runs out. The central theme is a carpe diem philosophy, emphasizing the need to seize the present moment. The recurring line, "Antes de morir, quiero el cielo" (Before I die, I want the sky), symbolizes the aspiration for complete, earthly fulfillment rather than waiting for a reward in the afterlife. The song delves into themes of passionate, all-consuming love and desire, viewing intense physical and emotional connection as a way to transcend the mundane. It's a raw and direct call to live with intensity, freedom, and a fearless attitude towards the finality of death.

The narrative of the song unfolds as a powerful declaration of intent, a manifesto for a life lived without regrets. The protagonists, voiced by C. Tangana and ROSALÍA, reject the conventional path of doing what is considered “correct,” dismissing it as a waste of their precious time. There's an urgent, almost desperate, need to experience everything life has to offer before death inevitably arrives. This sentiment is encapsulated in the recurring desire to “have the sky” before dying, a metaphor for achieving ultimate pleasure, success, and fulfillment in the mortal world, not in an afterlife.

C. Tangana's verses express a raw, hedonistic ambition. He speaks of a desire for an intense, physical connection so profound that it erases the boundaries between two people. He wants to push the limits of his own life, to play with it so recklessly that it loses its inherent value, suggesting a complete consumption of experience. There’s a sense of invincibility and a challenge to fate; he claims not to fear pain and is ready to confront anyone who stands in his way. This is not just about momentary pleasure but about building a legacy of sensation and intensity, a life story written on his own terms.

ROSALÍA’s perspective complements this with a slightly different flavor of the same urgency. She introduces the idea of escaping, of leaving the current reality behind to find a new place where they can be free—a place where “the sky” might be. Her verses speak of a relentless work ethic (“all day working without rest”) and a life that is too full and fast-paced for commitment or settling down. She echoes the theme of rebirth and transformation, wanting to be “born again” before dying, to kill her old self and experience a new existence. Her plea to be waited for, to be included in this ultimate experience, adds a layer of shared destiny to the song's narrative. The collaboration culminates in a joint expression of wanting everything—a thousand things, and each other—reinforcing the idea that this all-consuming life is a journey they must take together.

"Antes de Morirme" was released on June 30, 2016, through Sony Music Spain. The song was written by C. Tangana (Antón Álvarez), ROSALÍA (Rosalía Vila), and the producer Alizzz (Cristian Quirante). At the time of its creation, C. Tangana and ROSALÍA were in a relationship, which adds a layer of authenticity to the song's themes of intense connection. The track was created before either artist had achieved the massive international fame they have today. It was a key collaboration that showcased their budding chemistry and unique fusion of styles. The song was a "sleeper hit"; it didn't gain massive popularity upon its initial release but grew into a viral, generational anthem over the following summers. Its popularity skyrocketed in 2018 after ROSALÍA gained international acclaim and the song was prominently featured in the soundtrack for the first season of the popular Netflix series "Élite".

The song's rhythm is built upon a mid-tempo dancehall and trap foundation, creating a laid-back yet insistent groove that is both danceable and atmospheric. The rhythmic structure is characterized by the rolling 808 basslines and skittering hi-hats typical of trap, but with a syncopation that leans towards a Caribbean feel. C. Tangana's verses often follow a conversational, free-flowing rhythm that plays against the strict beat, emphasizing his relaxed and confident persona. ROSALÍA's sections introduce a more melodic and rhythmically complex vocal line, often using melisma to stretch and bend the timing of the lyrics. The rhyme scheme is not strictly formal, favoring a modern hip-hop approach with a mix of perfect rhymes, assonance, and a conversational flow that prioritizes cadence and delivery over a rigid structure. This creates a naturalistic and contemporary feel, where the interplay between the two vocal rhythms and the underlying beat is a key component of the song's appeal.

Musically, "Antes de Morirme" is a landmark fusion of genres. The production by Alizzz masterfully blends the dark, heavy bass and syncopated hi-hats of American trap with a hazy, dancehall rhythm. This is layered with subtle flamenco influences, most notably in ROSALÍA's vocal flourishes and the use of 'palmas' (hand claps) that add a distinctly Spanish texture. C. Tangana's vocal delivery is a characteristic half-sung, half-rapped monotone, exuding a cool, defiant confidence. In contrast, ROSALÍA's vocals are melodic and infused with the melismatic, soulful delivery of R&B and flamenco, creating a captivating dynamic between the two artists. Lyrically, the song employs a direct, unapologetic, and modern vernacular. The use of a repetitive, anthemic chorus makes the song incredibly catchy and memorable, functioning as a powerful motif that reinforces the central theme.

"Antes de Morirme" is considered a pivotal song in modern Spanish music, credited with helping to shape the sound of "música urbana" in Spain. While initially a sleeper hit, its viral success in 2018 marked a turning point for both C. Tangana and ROSALÍA, catapulting them from the national scene to international recognition. The song's inclusion in the Netflix series "Élite" significantly boosted its global reach. It became a generational anthem in Spain, defining the sound of the summer of 2016 and beyond. Critically, the track is celebrated for its innovative fusion of trap, pop, and flamenco elements, a blend that both artists would continue to explore in their subsequent successful careers. The song cemented producer Alizzz's status as a key architect of the new Spanish pop sound and is seen as the first major mainstream success for ROSALÍA.

The song is rich with symbolism centered on life, death, and ambition.

• El Cielo (The Sky/Heaven): The most prominent metaphor, repeated in the hook, "Antes de morir, quiero el cielo." It represents the ultimate state of earthly success, pleasure, and fulfillment. It's not a reference to a spiritual afterlife but rather to achieving a paradise on Earth before one's time is up.
• Muerte (Death): Death is not portrayed as something to be feared, but as a deadline that creates urgency. It is the catalyst for the song's hedonistic and ambitious philosophy, constantly reminding the artists to live intensely in the present.
• Borrando el Límite (Erasing the Limit): The line "Pienso follarte hasta borrar el límite entre los dos" (I plan to f*ck you until the line between us is erased) is a powerful metaphor for a desire for total union and intimacy, a connection so deep that individuality dissolves.
• Jugar con mi vida (Playing with my life): This phrase symbolizes a reckless abandon and a desire to experience life at its most extreme, to push boundaries until life itself feels like a game to be won or fully consumed.

The most significant recurring motif is the phrase "Antes de morir, quiero el cielo" (Before I die, I want the sky). This hook is the song's central thesis, repeated multiple times to hammer home the message of seeking ultimate earthly fulfillment. Its repetition turns the phrase into a defiant mantra. Another key recurring line is "Antes de que muera yo" (Before I die), which acts as a preamble to declarations of intent, such as wanting to experience profound intimacy or to live recklessly. This repetition constantly reinforces the theme of death as a motivator. ROSALÍA introduces the complementary phrase "Antes de morirme otra vez" (Before I die again), suggesting a desire for continuous renewal and transformation within a single lifetime. These recurring phrases provide structural cohesion and anchor the song's philosophical core, making its message clear and memorable.