Hoy Ya No Soy Yo
Gustavo Cerati
The Evolving Self in Gustavo Cerati's 'Hoy Ya No Soy Yo'
Gustavo Cerati, the renowned Argentine musician and former leader of the rock band Soda Stereo, is known for his poetic lyrics and profound themes. In the song 'Hoy Ya No Soy Yo' (Today I Am Not Myself), Cerati delves into the concept of personal change and the fluidity of identity. The lyrics suggest a transformation within the narrator, a shift so significant that he feels like a different person from one day to the next.
The recurring line 'pero hoy ya no soy yo' (but today I am not myself) serves as the song's central theme, emphasizing the idea that the self is not a static entity. The narrator seems to be addressing someone close, possibly a lover, who is trying to connect with him. However, the change he has undergone makes it impossible for them to interact in the same way as before. The mention of 'un mar cubierto de lava ardiente' (a sea covered in burning lava) could symbolize a tumultuous emotional state that has led to this transformation.
The song's mood is introspective and somewhat melancholic, reflecting on the inevitability of change and the impact it has on relationships. Cerati's lyrics often explore the complexities of the human experience, and 'Hoy Ya No Soy Yo' is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of personal evolution and its consequences. The repeated phrase 'a veces' (sometimes) suggests that this change is not constant but occurs in waves, adding to the song's sense of ephemerality and the transient nature of the self.