De Las Tardes
Fernando Delgadillo
The Longing for Connection in 'De Las Tardes'
The song 'De Las Tardes' by Fernando Delgadillo is a poetic exploration of longing and the desire for a deeper connection with someone who captivates the narrator's thoughts. Delgadillo, a Mexican singer-songwriter known for his folk and trova music, often weaves intricate stories and emotions into his lyrics, and this song is no exception. The lyrics speak of an unspoken and perhaps unrequited affection, where the narrator spends mornings trying to decipher the object of his affection through her gaze and voice. There is a sense of uncertainty about what is real and what is imagined in their interactions, highlighting the narrator's yearning to understand her better.
The chorus of the song expresses a wish for just one afternoon to truly connect with this person, to converse and look into each other's eyes without pretense. The narrator imagines this afternoon as a moment that could last forever, a time to explore the metaphorical landscapes of her being. The repeated requests for 'una tarde' (an afternoon) symbolize a plea for a chance to deepen their relationship, to move beyond the superficial and fleeting moments they have shared.
The song's imagery is rich with natural metaphors, such as valleys, hills, and the setting sun, which serve to illustrate the beauty and depth the narrator sees in the other person. The desire to become a song on her lips suggests a wish for an intimate and lasting impact on her life. 'De Las Tardes' is a ballad of hope and the pursuit of a connection that transcends the everyday, capturing the essence of romantic longing and the vulnerability of exposing one's true feelings.