Todos Se Van

Andrés Calamaro's song 'Todos Se Van' delves into themes of isolation, existential reflection, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who feels out of sync with the world around them, contemplating their existence and the choices they've made. The opening lines, 'Tendría que haber nacido antes o mucho después / además me da igual,' suggest a sense of disconnection from the present, as if the narrator feels they belong to a different time. This sentiment is further emphasized by the line, 'Podría haber sido cualquier cosa / una flor en el balcón / algo vegetal,' indicating a desire to be something simple and unburdened by human complexities.

The recurring phrase 'todos se van' (everyone leaves) highlights a feeling of abandonment and loneliness. While 'afuera donde es verano' (outside where it is summer) symbolizes a world full of life and activity, the narrator feels stuck in a stagnant, unchanging state. The contrast between the vibrant external world and the narrator's internal desolation is stark, underscoring their sense of being left behind. The line 'nosotros parece que no (pero también)' suggests that while it seems they are not leaving, they too are part of this cycle of departure and change, albeit in a less obvious way.

Calamaro's lyrics also touch on themes of communication and emotional numbness. The lines 'Parece que no miramos / porque nunca leemos o casi no hablamos' reflect a breakdown in meaningful interaction, contributing to the narrator's sense of isolation. The imagery of 'la pista sigue congelada' (the track remains frozen) and 'la ensalada de ayer se cansó de esperar' (yesterday's salad got tired of waiting) further illustrate a life that feels paused and neglected. The poignant metaphor of 'ataba con alambre los pedazos de lo que alguna vez fue un corazón' (tying with wire the pieces of what was once a heart) encapsulates the narrator's attempt to hold together their fragmented emotions and past experiences.

'Todos Se Van' is a deeply introspective song that captures the essence of feeling disconnected and left behind in a world that continues to move forward. Calamaro's evocative lyrics and melancholic tone invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of isolation and the passage of time.