Lo Que El Viento Nunca Se Llevó

Fito Páez's song 'Lo Que El Viento Nunca Se Llevó' is a vibrant exploration of life's fleeting moments and the beauty found within them. The song opens with a sunny day, juxtaposed with the intense heat of 'fucking mezzogiorno,' setting the stage for a narrative that oscillates between joy and pain. Páez uses the imagery of white flowers symbolizing love and black flowers representing pain to illustrate the duality of human experience. This duality is further emphasized by the reference to Frida Kahlo, an artist known for her vivid and often painful depictions of life.

The lyrics delve into the sensation of being on the edge, likened to hanging from an airplane about to land or crash. This metaphor captures the precariousness of existence and the miracle of waking up each day. Páez challenges the listener to defy gravity's laws, to laugh until they float, and to embrace the unpredictability of life. The song suggests that nothing is permanent, and this acceptance can lead to a form of liberation. The repeated refrain 'El paraíso es un lugar' (Paradise is a place) hints at finding paradise in the present moment, despite life's inherent uncertainties.

Páez also touches on themes of love and satisfaction, referencing the Rolling Stones' famous line 'I can't get no satisfaction.' He contrasts this with the 'endorphins of love' and the 'marvel of color,' suggesting that even in a world that can be dark and tense, there are moments of beauty and joy worth cherishing. The song's title, which translates to 'What the Wind Never Took Away,' implies that certain experiences and emotions are enduring, even amidst life's transience. The closing lines, delivered in a playful, circus-like farewell, reinforce the idea of resilience and hope, encouraging listeners to look forward to better times and to remember that 'he who laughs last, laughs best.'