Las Tardes Del Sol, Las Noches Del Agua

Fito Páez's song "Las Tardes Del Sol, Las Noches Del Agua" is a haunting narrative that delves into themes of mystery, despair, and supernatural occurrences in a small town. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young girl who undergoes a dramatic and unsettling transformation, leaving the townspeople bewildered and concerned. The song opens with a serene yet melancholic description of the afternoons and nights, setting a tone of unease and foreboding.

The central character, referred to as "niña bonita," becomes the focal point of the town's anxiety. Her sudden change in behavior—marked by silence, refusal to eat, and a distant gaze—suggests a deeper, possibly supernatural affliction. The repeated phrase "I love you, love you so" in English, despite her lack of knowledge of the language, adds an eerie element to her condition. This phrase, coupled with the townspeople's terror and the mention of an exorcism, hints at possession or a similar phenomenon.

The song also touches on cultural and religious elements, particularly with the reference to Santa Rosa de Lima, a significant figure in Latin American Catholicism. The townspeople's decision to resort to an exorcism reflects their desperation and belief in divine intervention. The imagery of bells ringing and the "force of God" underscores the gravity of the situation and the community's collective fear. Páez's storytelling, combined with his evocative musical style, creates a powerful narrative that explores the intersection of love, fear, and the supernatural in a small town setting.