El Tiempo En Las Bastillas

Francisca Valenzuela's song "El Tiempo En Las Bastillas" delves into the themes of memory, oblivion, and the passage of time. The lyrics poetically explore how time preserves certain elements while others are forgotten. The 'bastillas' (bastions) metaphorically represent places where time stores forgotten things—those that history never recorded or anticipated. This imagery suggests a melancholic reflection on the transient nature of human experiences and memories.

The song uses vivid natural imagery, such as seagulls and ants, to illustrate the cyclical nature of life and the often-overlooked details that make up our existence. Seagulls bringing life from the sea and ants gathering crumbs to make bread symbolize the small, seemingly insignificant actions that contribute to the larger tapestry of life. These actions, though vital, often go unnoticed and unappreciated, much like the forgotten memories stored in the 'bastillas.'

Valenzuela's lyrics also touch on the idea of creation and destruction. The line "Y nace mi canción desde el cemento, una flor que en el desierto morirá" (And my song is born from the cement, a flower that will die in the desert) poignantly captures the fleeting nature of artistic expression in a world dominated by noise and chaos. The song questions who will remember the things that are not divine, highlighting a sense of existential contemplation about what is deemed worthy of preservation and what is left to fade away.

"El Tiempo En Las Bastillas" is a profound meditation on the ephemeral nature of life, the selective memory of history, and the quiet, often unnoticed beauty in everyday actions. It invites listeners to reflect on what we choose to remember and what we allow to be forgotten, urging a deeper appreciation for the small, yet significant, moments that shape our lives.