Silencio en la tarde

“Silencio en la tarde” by Embajada Boliviana is a poignant exploration of loss and the lingering silence that follows a departure. The song opens with the imagery of someone who has left a lasting impression, much like the sun setting in the afternoon. This metaphor sets the tone for the entire piece, highlighting the suddenness and permanence of the departure. The comparison to a dog leaving the street quickly emphasizes the abruptness and inevitability of the separation, suggesting a sense of abandonment and loneliness.

The lyrics delve deeper into the emotional aftermath of this departure. The line “Te llevaste contigo el silencio mio” (You took my silence with you) suggests that the person who left took a part of the narrator’s peace and tranquility. The repetition of the idea that it is too late to wait for the person’s return underscores a sense of finality and resignation. The song reflects on the nature of change and the impossibility of things returning to their original state, as seen in the lines “Sera que las cosas no vuelven al mismo lugar” (Things don’t return to the same place) and “Quizas las tormentas tienen un frio final” (Perhaps storms have a cold end).

The chorus, with its repeated “Oh, oh otra vez el silencio se queda conmigo en la tarde” (Oh, oh once again the silence stays with me in the afternoon), captures the recurring theme of solitude and the haunting presence of silence. The mention of madness invading the streets suggests a struggle with inner turmoil and the chaos that follows loss. The song beautifully encapsulates the emotional landscape of heartbreak, where silence and madness coexist, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s internal struggle.