cancion versus tema

Question

I'm watching a show on Spanish language televison and a young lady is singing Michael Jackson's "I want you back."

The graphic says: "cantando el tema, I want you back" which translates into "singing the theme.

Why is it not "cantando el cancion, I want you back" = singing the song, I want you back?

Thanks Tom

Answer 1

Because tema and canción mean the same thing in the right context. You could also say rola or any other word other people use. It's up to you what you like best!

Answer 2

Could "tema" mean "tune" in this context? Because that would make sense..."singing the tune of 'I want you back'".

Also, that was The Jackson 5, not just Michael.

Answer 3

I see "tema" in a lot of the comments of the reggaeton music videos that I watch on Youtube, but I learned canción in school, so I don't think it matters. I think the frequency of usage would depend on the area/country and the age group if you know what I mean.

From what I've learned/asked/seen "¡Me encanta esta tema!" is more like "I love this track!", and if you think about it, even in English, track is often used in place of song by younger people in a more slang sort of way.