Volver

Alfredo Le Pera's song 'Volver' is a poignant exploration of memory, nostalgia, and the inevitable return to one's roots. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's return to a place filled with both pain and love. The opening lines describe the flickering lights that mark the narrator's return, symbolizing the passage of time and the enduring presence of past experiences. These lights, which once illuminated moments of deep sorrow, now guide the narrator back to a place of emotional significance. Despite the reluctance to return, the song suggests that one always comes back to their first love, a theme that resonates with the universal human experience of longing and remembrance.

The chorus of 'Volver' captures the essence of the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of life. The imagery of a withered forehead and silvered temples reflects the physical changes brought by time, while the realization that 'twenty years is nothing' underscores the fleeting nature of life. The narrator's eyes, feverishly searching through the shadows, symbolize the relentless pursuit of lost love and memories. This pursuit is not just a physical journey but an emotional one, as the soul clings to sweet memories that bring both joy and sorrow.

The song also delves into the fear and apprehension associated with confronting the past. The narrator expresses a fear of encountering past memories that resurface to challenge their present life. The nights filled with memories that chain the narrator's dreams highlight the inescapable nature of the past. However, despite the destructive power of forgetfulness, which has killed old illusions, there remains a hidden, humble hope that sustains the narrator's heart. This hope, though modest, is the true treasure of the narrator's heart, symbolizing the enduring power of love and memory.