Durante

Jorge Drexler's song 'Durante' delves into the transient nature of existence, emphasizing the constant state of change that defines our lives. The lyrics open with the acknowledgment that everything is in a state of flux, where nothing remains the same for long. This idea is encapsulated in the line 'todo se mueve y deja de ser lo que era antes,' which translates to 'everything moves and ceases to be what it was before.' Drexler poetically suggests that under the sun, nothing is old, and everything is fleeting, highlighting the impermanence of life with 'todo dura nada,' meaning 'everything lasts nothing.'

The chorus poses a profound question about the desire for eternity. Drexler asks, '¿Quién quiere ser eterno, quién quiere ser eterno testigo?' or 'Who wants to be eternal, who wants to be an eternal witness?' This rhetorical question challenges the listener to consider the value of eternal life versus the beauty of living in the moment. The imagery of 'girar por siempre mirando su ombligo,' or 'spinning forever looking at one's navel,' suggests a life of endless self-reflection and stagnation, contrasting sharply with the dynamic nature of existence.

In the second verse, Drexler introduces the metaphor of a chess game, where each person plays their own moves in their unique game. This metaphor underscores the individuality of our experiences and the personal strategies we employ in navigating life. The phrase 'nunco hubo antes, no habrá después, tan sólo durante,' meaning 'there was never a before, there will be no after, only during,' reinforces the central theme of living in the present. Drexler's lyrics invite us to embrace the ephemeral and find meaning in the transient moments that make up our lives.