El Fantasma

The song 'El Fantasma' by the Argentine rock band Árbol paints a picture of a spirit's ethereal journey after death. The lyrics describe the sensation of leaving the physical world, symbolized by 'flying out the window,' and entering a state where past pains and worries no longer have any effect. This transition is marked by a sense of liberation, as the protagonist no longer feels affected by the material world ('because nothing touches me') and lacks any life within ('and there is nothing alive inside of me').

The imagery of floating in the air and observing the world from above suggests a newfound perspective on life. The spirit watches over loved ones and familiar places, detached yet still connected. The references to seeing the neighborhood light up and the night turning into day could symbolize enlightenment or a higher level of understanding achieved after death. The mention of the 'smell of fugazzeta' and the 'grandmother Yolanda' adds a personal and nostalgic touch, indicating that memories and relationships continue to hold significance even after passing.

The song also touches on the theme of continuity and the afterlife. The protagonist speaks of meeting other spirits, such as the husband of Pocha, and hints at an existence beyond the physical realm ('and someday everyone comes here'). This suggests a belief in an afterlife where connections with others are maintained and life goes on in a different form. The repeated lines 'I see, and I fly' emphasize the freedom and the new perspective gained, while the closing lines 'and I cry a little' acknowledge the emotional complexity of this spectral existence.