Es tan poco

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song 'Es tan poco' delves into the profound theme of human connection and the superficiality of our understanding of one another. The lyrics poignantly express the idea that what we know about others is often limited to surface-level observations—the 'nubes' (clouds), 'silencios' (silences), and 'gestos' (gestures) that we see. These elements represent the external manifestations of a person's inner world, which are often misinterpreted or insufficient to truly understand their essence.

The song's repetition of 'lo que conoces' (what you know) and 'lo que conozco' (what I know) underscores the mutual lack of deep understanding between individuals. Zitarrosa uses the metaphor of a house to illustrate this concept, with 'la tristeza de mi casa vista de afuera' (the sadness of my house seen from the outside) symbolizing the external perception of one's inner sorrow. The 'postigos' (shutters) and 'llamador' (door knocker) of sadness further emphasize the barriers that prevent true emotional connection.

In the final lines, the mutual acknowledgment of this superficial understanding is highlighted by the phrases 'Pero no llamas' (But you don't call) and 'Pero no llamo' (But I don't call). This suggests a shared reluctance or inability to reach out and bridge the emotional gap. Zitarrosa's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the often unspoken depths of their emotions. The song serves as a reminder of the importance of looking beyond the surface to truly connect with others on a deeper level.