Pudo Ser
Gustavo Cerati
The Ambiguity of Emotions in Gustavo Cerati's 'Pudo Ser'
Gustavo Cerati's song 'Pudo Ser' delves into the complexities of human emotions and the ambiguity that often accompanies them. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors, creating a sense of suspense and uncertainty. The opening lines, 'El aire está cargado de suspenso / diluvia y no hay un taxi,' set a tense atmosphere, suggesting a moment of crisis or intense emotion. The phrase 'temí / y pudo ser intuición' introduces the idea that what we feel might be a result of intuition, but it could also be something else entirely.
The song continues to explore this theme of ambiguity through various scenarios. In 'Verano de muerte y resurrección / creí oír sus pasos / o bien / pudo ser sugestión,' Cerati juxtaposes life and death, reality and illusion. The mention of 'felinos en el parque' and 'presencia feroz' adds a layer of primal, almost animalistic energy to the narrative. The recurring phrase 'pudo ser' (it could have been) serves as a refrain, emphasizing the uncertainty and multiple interpretations of each situation.
As the song progresses, the ambiguity extends to relationships and emotions. 'Caemos fulminados por un rayo / que viene del futuro / o bien / pudo ser la pasión' suggests that intense feelings can be both destructive and enlightening. The line 'Mentiras se deslizan por sus labios / no puedo ya mirarla' speaks to the pain of deceit and the difficulty of facing someone who has lied. The song concludes with 'Pudo ser un error / temí / y pudo ser un error,' leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and the realization that life is full of uncertainties and possible misinterpretations.