Aquella Tarde

Ismael Serrano's 'Aquella Tarde' is a poignant and evocative song that captures the essence of a specific afternoon filled with a mix of mundane and surreal events. The song opens with a couple going to the cinema and making love, setting a personal and intimate tone. The lyrics then shift to a series of vivid and often bizarre images, such as 'Cristo dormía en un fotomatón' (Christ sleeping in a photo booth) and 'un hombre gris paseaba a un perro verde' (a grey man walking a green dog). These surreal elements serve to highlight the strangeness and unpredictability of life, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

The song also delves into social and existential themes. The mention of 'las cajeras del supermercado' (supermarket cashiers) and 'los fantasmas del castillo' (castle ghosts) losing their light and dreams suggests a sense of disillusionment and loss. The imagery of 'los borrachos, los cantantes, las putas, los estudiantes' (drunks, singers, prostitutes, students) crying 'saetas de hiel' (arrows of bile) paints a picture of a society grappling with its own struggles and sorrows. This juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary, the personal and the societal, adds depth to the narrative, making it a rich tapestry of human experience.

Cultural references also play a significant role in the song. The mention of 'Scherezade' forgetting her tales and Baghdad burning evokes a sense of historical and cultural loss. The line 'cuando estallaba la guerra, refulgía mi ciudad' (when the war broke out, my city shone) adds a layer of irony, suggesting that even in times of conflict, life goes on in its own peculiar way. The song's closing lines bring us back to the couple, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and love. Through its intricate lyrics and haunting melodies, 'Aquella Tarde' invites listeners to reflect on the fleeting moments that make up our lives, filled with beauty, sorrow, and everything in between.