Tarde (Sin Daños a Terceros)

Ricardo Arjona's 'Tarde (Sin Daños a Terceros)' is a ballad that delves into the complexities of love, timing, and missed opportunities. The song title itself, which translates to 'Late (Without Damaging Third Parties)', sets the stage for a narrative about encountering the right person at the wrong time, and the emotional turmoil that ensues. Arjona, known for his poetic lyrics and storytelling, often explores themes of love, society, and human emotions in his music, and this song is a quintessential example of his lyrical depth.

The song begins with the protagonist reflecting on an unexpected encounter with someone who seems to be the perfect match, but the timing is off as both are already committed to other people. The phrase 'with your exact body and assassin's eyes' suggests an immediate and powerful attraction, yet the repeated line 'Tarde como siempre' ('Late as always') emphasizes the frustration of finding what one has been searching for at an inopportune moment. The lyrics poignantly express the pain of realizing that the dreams one has been chasing are finally within reach, but the circumstances make it impossible to grasp them.

Arjona's use of vivid imagery and emotional honesty in the chorus and verses captures the essence of human longing and regret. The song speaks to the universal experience of wondering about the 'what ifs' and the paths not taken. The singer laments the fear of ending up alone, which sometimes leads people to settle for less than what their heart truly desires. The closing lines of the song leave listeners with a sense of yearning and the bittersweet acknowledgment that sometimes love arrives too late, and all that remains is the wish to have met under different circumstances, 'without damaging third parties'.