Autodidacta translates to "self-taught" or "autodidact". It's a sophisticated and less common word that stands out in the lyrics, suggesting a deeper reflection than typical pop songs.
In the song, Jorge Drexler uses it to describe the "strange gift of being an eternal autodidact" in the context of solitude and the creative process. It highlights the idea that learning and creating, especially in art, often comes from within, through personal experience and self-discovery, rather than formal instruction. This makes it a unique and thought-provoking word for learners.
Jorge Drexler's "La noche no es una ciencia" is a wonderfully honest look at the unpredictable nature of creativity. He sets the scene by describing himself arriving at the sea with "la noche en la mira" [the night in his sights], ready to write, with his broken guitar and a blank page. But he quickly admits that the page would remain "intacta" [intact].
He realizes that "la noche no es una ciencia exacta" [the night is not an exact science], and neither is songwriting. He thought he knew the rules, that the muse would respond to his efforts, but "la musa no pacta" [the muse doesn't make deals]. He even says, "Yo deberÃa a esta altura saberlo" [I should know this by now], acknowledging that inspiration often appears unexpectedly, "como un cuerpo extraño" [like a foreign body] that just settles in your soul. It's a great reminder that sometimes you just have to wait for the magic to happen.