Triqui-Traca

Cátulo Castillo's song 'Triqui-Traca' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the fading of a once-vibrant life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, filled with the sounds and scents of a bustling neighborhood. The 'alharaca porteña,' or the lively commotion of Buenos Aires, has dimmed, symbolized by the 'último piano tristón,' the last melancholic piano. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when the streets were alive with music and activity.

The recurring motif of 'triqui, traca, traca' serves as a rhythmic reminder of the past, echoing the sounds of a cart or a carriage rolling down the cobblestone streets. This sound, coupled with the scents of mint and basil, creates a sensory memory that lingers even as the physical reality fades away. The 'mano cerrando el portón,' or the hand closing the gate, signifies the end of an era, a finality that is both sorrowful and inevitable.

The song also touches on themes of loss and change. The 'vieja neblina' and 'viejo farol' waiting at the corner symbolize the enduring presence of the past, even as the world moves on. The 'paso de caracol,' or snail's pace, suggests a slow, almost reluctant progression through time. The character who once sold basil and filled the streets with his lively shouts is no longer there, his 'alharaca feliz' now a distant memory. This melancholic tone underscores the universal experience of change and the bittersweet nature of remembering what once was.