Extraño ser
Fabiana Cantilo
The Longing and Isolation in 'Extraño ser' by Fabiana Cantilo
Fabiana Cantilo's song 'Extraño ser' delves into themes of longing, isolation, and the search for connection. The lyrics repeatedly ask how many days and hours must pass before the speaker can bridge the gap between themselves and the 'adorable being' they are addressing. This repetition underscores a sense of impatience and yearning, suggesting that the speaker feels a profound sense of separation from someone they deeply care about.
The phrase 'Extraño ser' can be interpreted in multiple ways. 'Extraño' in Spanish means 'strange' or 'I miss,' adding layers of meaning to the song. The 'strange being' could symbolize someone who feels distant or different, while 'I miss you' conveys a more straightforward sense of longing. The speaker's inability to speak to this 'adorable being' highlights a barrier, whether emotional, physical, or both, that prevents them from connecting.
The imagery of people flying around and the train suggests movement and transition, yet the speaker remains stationary, waiting. This contrast between motion and stillness amplifies the feeling of being stuck in a state of longing. The train, a common metaphor for life's journey, represents the passage of time and the hope that the desired connection will eventually be made. The repeated line 'I hope to see that you are so close to me' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the hope and anticipation of closeness amidst a backdrop of separation and waiting.