A contratiempo

Ana Torroja's song 'A contratiempo' delves into the emotional turmoil of a past relationship, capturing the essence of heartache and nostalgia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is grappling with the memories of a lost love. The opening lines, 'Vaya por Dios que tonta estoy, se me ha vuelto a escapar el alma por la puerta,' suggest a sense of regret and self-reproach, as the protagonist finds themselves reminiscing about old letters and photos. This act of looking back is involuntary, almost as if the memories have a life of their own, slipping through the cracks of the present moment.

The recurring theme of solitude is poignantly expressed in the lines, 'La soledad es una estación de madrugada, un beso al viento y una canción desesperada.' Here, solitude is likened to a lonely train station in the early hours, a place of waiting and longing. The metaphor of a 'kiss to the wind' and a 'desperate song' further emphasizes the sense of yearning and unfulfilled desire. The protagonist is caught in a cycle of doubt and reflection, questioning whether saying goodbye was the right decision and lamenting how things have changed.

As the song progresses, there is a glimmer of hope and anticipation with the lines, 'Hemos quedado ya a las 10:00, vuelve a latir mi corazón como la primera vez.' This suggests a planned meeting, possibly a reunion, that reignites the protagonist's heart with the same intensity as the first time they fell in love. However, the phrase 'a contratiempo' (out of sync) serves as a reminder that despite the rekindled emotions, there is an underlying tension and misalignment. The song beautifully captures the complexity of human emotions, where love, regret, and hope coexist in a delicate balance.