Toque de Queda

Jorge Drexler's song "Toque de Queda" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of solitude and the passage of time during a curfew. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the moon weeps into a fountain, creating an atmosphere heavy with mist and loneliness. This imagery sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the isolation and introspection that come with being confined during a curfew.

The phrase "toque de queda" translates to "curfew" in English, and Drexler uses this concept to delve into the emotional and psychological impact of enforced solitude. The suspended hand, the half-breathed sigh, and the wound that opens with each moan all symbolize the stifled connections and unfulfilled desires that arise in such a setting. The night falling under its own weight further emphasizes the oppressive nature of this isolation.

Drexler also touches on the idea of time as a pervasive force that seeps back into homes like smoke through every crack. This metaphor suggests that despite the curfew, time continues to move, bringing with it a sense of inevitability and continuity. The mention of different languages and currencies hints at the universal nature of these experiences, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Each trapeze artist letting go of their trapeze symbolizes the surrender to this enforced stillness, highlighting the shared human experience of solitude during a curfew.

"Toque de Queda" is a poignant reflection on the themes of isolation, time, and the human condition, wrapped in Drexler's signature poetic and evocative style.