Trasnochando
Angel D'Agostino
The Melancholic Reflections of a Night Owl
Angel D'Agostino's song 'Trasnochando' delves into the life of a man who spends his nights in a whirlwind of revelry and regret. The term 'trasnochando' itself means 'staying up all night,' setting the stage for a narrative steeped in nocturnal adventures and the inevitable consequences that follow. The protagonist reflects on his past, acknowledging the reckless lifestyle he led, filled with gambling, dancing, and drinking. He admits to ignoring the advice of a good friend, which almost led to a fallout between them. This highlights the theme of stubbornness and the refusal to heed wise counsel, a common human flaw.
The song also touches on the fleeting nature of life and the ephemeral joys that come with a hedonistic lifestyle. The protagonist's companions are described as 'milongueros' and 'jugadores,' indicating a life surrounded by tango dancers and gamblers. These characters are often romanticized in Argentine culture but also serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living for the moment without considering the future. The nights of indulgence are portrayed as a way to escape the harsh realities of life, but they ultimately lead to a sense of emptiness and loss.
A poignant moment in the song is when the protagonist speaks of a woman he met during one of his nocturnal escapades. He confesses that he lost everything, retaining only a photograph of her, which he no longer wishes to see. This symbolizes the emotional baggage and the haunting memories that linger long after the nights of revelry have ended. The request to his friend to dispose of the photograph signifies a desire to move on and forget the past, yet it also underscores the difficulty of letting go. The song is a melancholic reflection on the consequences of a life lived in the fast lane, filled with moments of joy that are overshadowed by lasting regrets.