Rayando El Sol (Scratching at the Sun) is an iconic Latin rock ballad by Mexican pop-rock band Maná that became an anthem of a generation. It has resonated deeply with fans across the Latin speaking world including yours truly, so much so I consider Rayando El Sol one of the most alluring and heartfelt rock ballads I’ve heard in my short existence. The song narrates the pain of unrequited love and the endless yearning encapsulated beautifully in the chorus: which translates as “Scratching at the sun, desperation, it’s easier to reach the sun than your heart“.
In an interview with Billboard magazine, vocalist Fernando Olvera, popularly known as Fher, shared details about the group’s difficult beginnings. He revealed that the group went through long periods of economic adversity, to such a degree that they considered abandoning their passion for music. The turning point for Maná came with the creation of “Rayando el Sol”, a song that Fher and Álex González composed in a moment of discouragement, in an unfurnished apartment in Colonia Roma. This song, included in their second album “Falta de amor” released in 1990, marked a before and after in the band’s career, becoming one of their biggest hits and reaffirming their decision to continue in the world of music.
Below is a loose English translation of part of the lyrics:
[Verse 1]
The sun is shining, shining for you
This pain hurts me, it burns me without your love
You haven’t called me, I’m desperate
There are many moons that I have cried for you
[Chorus]
The sun is shining, oh, eh, oh, despair
It’s easier to reach the sun than your heart
I’m dying for you, oh, eh, oh, living without you
And I can’t stand it, it hurts me so much to be like this
the sun is shining
[Verse 2]
I went to your house and I didn’t find you
In the park; in the square; in the cinema I looked for you
I have you trapped between my skin and my soul
I can’t do so much anymore and I want to be with you
Maná was formed in 1986 by José Fernando “Fher” Olvera (vocals), Ulises Calleros (guitar), and Juan Calleros (bass guitar), who had been performing together in a band called Sombrero Verde since the mid-1970s and disbanded in 1983. Rayando El Sol was released on the band’s second album Falta Amor (Missing Love) and became its first hit single. The group toured heavily in support of the album, performing more than 250 times throughout Latin America, including shows in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
References:
1. Maná – Wikipedia
2. Ésta es la historia detrás de ‘Rayando El Sol’ de Maná – Infobae
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Sweet…beat..
Great background story, Matt. It’s a common misconception that success just drops in the laps of groups such as Maná; Black Sabbath is a perfect example of clawing all the way to the top.
After reading the lyrics you provided, especially the use of the word desperate, I was surprised to hear a lighter rock sound from Maná than I expected, which was something more in the style of Krokus or the Scorpions … you know, the anguished screaming in the cold black night scenario. The very first notes reminded me of the Police, then the song morphed into more of the rock anthems typical of Europe, Latin & South America.
Thanks for the introduction to Maná; I enjoyed their style and this song very much and can see why they are such an iconic Latin rock band.
Thanks so much for your encouraging words Nancy. It means so much.
I had a difficult time translating the words since the ‘Rayando el Sol’ line has a double meaning in the song. So… you have ‘The sun is shining’, but it could also be in Spanish, ‘I’m clawing (scratching) at the sun’ which would explain his accompanying line ‘desperation’. It’s this juxtaposition in meaning, which I wished I had written about in the first place and given this song its just-deserts. I’m thrilled you liked it all the same.
You commented on a whole array of metal-esque artists whose music I have not heard, but I was fascinated to read how you adapted the sounds and lyrics of ‘Rayando el Sol’ with their own complimentary sounds and play on music.
I’m always indebted to learn more from those way more steeped in their understanding of contemporary music than I am. You are blessing.
Lovely comments, Matt! I simply tell it like I see it and hope I don’t step on too many toes along the way. I’ve been around far longer than the time I have left and I have learned a lot from just living life as best I can. I’ve made more mistakes than I can count but have very few regrets.
Funny story about translations. Years ago I wrote to my cousin in Sicily and told him my son was working in the entertainment field as a TV TelePrompter and, at the time, was unmarried and living in a converted bedroom in our basement. My cousin used Google Translate to read my email and the word TelePrompter was translated into the Italian word gobbo which literally means hunchback (I see the weird connection to camera man). I was LMAO and wondering what my cousin must have been thinking when he read my son worked in TV as a hunchback and we kept him in the basement!
I’m beyond thrilled to be called a blessing. You have brought a smile to my face today. Thank you, amico mio.
I can’t count the people I have turned off in my blog by following your modus operando on just telling it how it as I see it. I know you have just come into Summer where you, but we are probably both in our ‘Winter Light’ stages. My lordy do I love that movie of the same name by Ingmar Bergman.
I laughed so loud to read your lost in translation story. So you’ve got an elephant man in the keepers lol?? Haha. You’re a gem.