Minutos
Ricardo Arjona
The Relentless March of Time in Ricardo Arjona's 'Minutos'
Ricardo Arjona's song 'Minutos' is a poignant reflection on the nature of time and the pain of loss. The lyrics personify minutes as living entities, with each passing moment described as a 'cadaver,' emphasizing the irreversible and permanent death of each minute. Arjona uses this metaphor to express the relentless forward march of time and the futility of trying to reclaim what has been lost. The song's recurring mention of specific times on the clock, such as '6:23' and '7:16,' grounds the listener in the present while highlighting the singer's preoccupation with the passage of time since a significant departure or event.
The emotional weight of the song is carried by the imagery of minutes as 'sal en la herida' (salt in the wound), which suggests that the passage of time is not only relentless but also painful for the narrator. This pain is tied to memories and a longing for the past, as the singer grapples with the absence of a loved one. The home is described as a 'cemetery of stories,' reinforcing the theme of loss and the haunting presence of memories. The song's chorus drives home the message that time is unforgiving, with minutes being 'the morgue of time'—a place where moments are laid to rest, never to return.
Arjona's use of vivid metaphors and the personification of time serves to explore the human experience of coping with the irreversible nature of time and the lingering effects of loss. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of nostalgia or the regret of unspent moments. 'Minutos' is a reminder that time is a finite resource, and once it passes, it leaves behind a trail of untouchable memories, urging listeners to value the present and the people in their lives before they become just another minute in the morgue of time.