Siempre tarde
Celtas Cortos
The Eternal Struggle of Being Late: A Tale of Regret and Solitude
Celtas Cortos' song "Siempre tarde" delves into the emotional turmoil of constantly being late, both in literal and metaphorical senses. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who perpetually misses the right moments, whether it's arriving at a place or seizing an opportunity. This recurring lateness leads to a profound sense of regret and loneliness, as the protagonist finds themselves out of sync with the world around them. The phrase "nunca llegó a la hora apropiada" (never arrived at the right time) encapsulates this feeling of perpetual misalignment.
The song uses powerful imagery to convey the protagonist's sense of disconnection. References to hearing bells but not knowing where they come from, or hearing words in a hidden river, suggest a life filled with missed signals and misunderstood messages. The repeated lines "otra vez he llegado tarde a mi deber" (once again, I arrived late to my duty) and "demasiado tarde a tu querer" (too late for your love) highlight the dual nature of the protagonist's failures—both in personal responsibilities and in romantic endeavors. This duality underscores the depth of their regret and the isolation it brings.
In the latter part of the song, the protagonist expresses a desperate desire to make amends, vowing to search for their lost love even if it means crossing the sky or cutting through obstacles. This determination, however, is tinged with the realization that it might already be too late, as they lament their solitude. The song's melancholic tone and poignant lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of missed opportunities and the weight of unfulfilled promises.