No tengo tiempo
Andrés Calamaro
The Fleeting Nature of Time and Regret in 'No tengo tiempo'
In 'No tengo tiempo,' Andrés Calamaro delves into the complexities of time, regret, and the transient nature of life. The song opens with the declaration, 'No tengo tiempo, pero no me arrepiento,' which translates to 'I don't have time, but I don't regret it.' This sets the tone for a reflection on how the artist navigates his life, likening himself to the wind—free and unbound, yet often missing out on moments and connections. The metaphor of composing songs while walking suggests a life in constant motion, where some verses, or moments, inevitably slip away.
The song takes a poignant turn as Calamaro reflects on solitude and missed opportunities. He mentions his friends going to a party while he stays behind, alone with his thoughts. This solitude gives him the space to reminisce about the past, particularly a lost love. The line 'te quiero tener de vuelta a mi lado, pero esta vez no perderte nunca más' ('I want to have you back by my side, but this time never lose you again') reveals a deep yearning for reconciliation and a desire to correct past mistakes. The feeling of being a 'foreigner in my own home' underscores a sense of alienation and the emotional toll of his lifestyle.
Calamaro's musical style often blends rock with introspective lyrics, and 'No tengo tiempo' is no exception. The song captures the essence of living a fast-paced life, where time is a luxury and regret is a constant companion. Yet, despite the regrets, there is an acceptance of his nature and a recognition that being like the wind is not a curse but a part of who he is. This duality of freedom and regret makes the song deeply relatable, touching on universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.