Materia Inexistente
El Barrio
The Echoes of Time and Memory in 'Materia Inexistente'
El Barrio's song 'Materia Inexistente' delves into the profound themes of memory, nostalgia, and the inexorable passage of time. The lyrics poetically narrate the story of a man revisiting his childhood through an old, cherished doll, which symbolizes his past and the pure, unadulterated emotions associated with it. The recurring refrain about the doll that has always loved him highlights a deep, emotional connection to simpler times and the purity of childhood affections.
The song's narrative progresses as the protagonist wakes up to powerful old memories that make him feel more human and significant. This awakening leads him to rediscover and physically reconnect with the doll, an act that serves as a metaphor for reconnecting with one's past self. The act of dressing the doll and conversing with it represents an attempt to preserve and honor those cherished memories. The lyrics suggest a desire to halt the passage of time, as the protagonist asks time itself to prevent him from growing older, indicating a yearning to cling to the innocence and simplicity of youth.
Throughout the song, El Barrio uses the imagery of the aging doll—its silver hair and wrinkled face—to reflect on how time marks everyone. The lullaby sung to the doll, which comfortably sleeps and dreams, serves as a poignant reminder of the comfort and peace found in embracing and accepting one's past. The repeated lines questioning the composition of human beings and their tendency to forget highlight a critical commentary on human nature's forgetfulness and neglect of what once was dearly loved.