Tantas Cosas
Ismael Serrano
The Unchanging Flow of Life: A Reflection on 'Tantas Cosas' by Ismael Serrano
Ismael Serrano's song 'Tantas Cosas' delves into the bittersweet reality of life and love, capturing the essence of how life continues its relentless march forward, regardless of personal heartbreak. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mundane and the profound, intertwining the two to highlight the inevitability of change and the constancy of life's rhythm.
The song begins with the imagery of trees in a park continuing to grow and autumn passing, symbolizing the natural progression of time. Serrano juxtaposes this with the personal turmoil of separation, suggesting that while life goes on, the emotional impact of a loved one's departure is deeply felt. The mention of 'two new solitudes' and 'lies' reflects the loneliness and deceit that often accompany the end of a relationship. Despite these personal upheavals, the world around continues unchanged, with people going about their daily routines, such as smiling on the Metro or closing bars late at night.
Serrano further explores the theme of continuity by describing how the city will keep growing and devouring lives, even in the absence of the loved one. The plans they made together will be fulfilled by others, and new lives and songs will emerge, some perhaps bearing the name of the departed. This highlights the idea that individual experiences, while significant, are just small parts of the larger tapestry of life. The repetition of 'tantas, tantas cosas' emphasizes the myriad of events and changes that will continue to occur, suggesting that these changes might not alter the essence of who we are.
The song concludes with a poignant metaphor of a deserted beach, representing the emptiness and desolation felt after a loved one leaves. Serrano acknowledges that he will grow older and more weary, cursing the 'dead days' left in the wake of the departure. Yet, he circles back to the refrain, reminding us that despite the countless things that will happen, the core of our being may remain largely unchanged. This cyclical reflection on change and constancy offers a profound commentary on the human condition, resonating with anyone who has experienced loss and the inexorable passage of time.