Asfixiar translates to "to suffocate" or "to choke". It's a strong, evocative verb that immediately conveys a sense of urgency and desperation.
In the context of "Elemento", the singer uses this word to express the profound emotional and existential distress he feels when separated from his "elemento vital" (vital element), which is his loved one. The line "Me voy a asfixiar sin mi elemento vital" powerfully illustrates that being without this person feels like being deprived of air, making it a memorable and impactful word choice.
This song paints a picture of someone who has to leave their loved one behind, possibly for work that involves a lot of travel. The singer's heart breaks every morning they have to hit the road, and they can't stop thinking about the person they've left behind, imagining them waking up alone and sad.
Throughout the song, this person is called the singer's "elemento vital," or vital element. This means they are as essential as air or water. Even when the singer experiences happy moments in new places, they reject them because nothing can compare to what they have with their loved one. The distance is so painful that the singer feels like they are suffocating without their partner, trying to use their songs to reach out and feel close to them again.