Tiempo

Joe Vasconcellos' song 'Tiempo' delves into the profound and often melancholic experience of time and memory. The lyrics open with a sense of being held in the shadows by a grave pain, suggesting a deep emotional struggle. This pain is contrasted with a 'clear feeling' of an 'forgotten world' where the singer seems to exist alone. This duality between clarity and obscurity, presence and absence, sets the tone for the song's exploration of time's impact on the human soul.

The imagery of 'Trozos de leño' (pieces of wood) in full glow that 'blush' the singer's skin, 'anxious for love,' evokes a sense of longing and desire. This metaphor suggests that even in moments of warmth and light, there is an underlying yearning for connection and affection. The embrace of memories and a 'great sensation' further emphasizes the bittersweet nature of reminiscing, where joy and pain are intertwined. The repetition of 'es todo penumbra, es todo dolor' (it's all shadows, it's all pain) underscores the pervasive sense of sorrow that accompanies these reflections.

The interjection of 'Cumbia! cumbia!' and the playful lines about the abundance of beautiful women and the confusion of whom to love introduce a momentary shift in tone. This section, with its lively rhythm and light-hearted lyrics, contrasts sharply with the preceding and following verses, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and experiences. The final lines return to a more contemplative mood, asserting that despite oppression, one's song (or voice) is more beautiful than one might think. This message of resilience and self-worth offers a glimmer of hope amidst the song's overarching theme of time's relentless passage and the weight of memories.