¿A Poco No?
José Madero
The Bittersweet Nostalgia of Lost Love in José Madero's ¿A Poco No?
José Madero's song ¿A Poco No? is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the lingering effects of a past relationship. The lyrics suggest a dialogue with a former lover, reminiscing about a time when the connection between them was undeniable. The opening lines set the tone with a paradoxical statement about aging, indicating that the singer feels younger now than he did in the past, perhaps because the weight of the relationship made him feel older at the time.
The chorus, with its rhetorical question '¿A poco no?', which translates to 'Isn't it true?', seeks affirmation of shared memories and feelings. Madero mentions a specific night in some month, hinting at a moment of deep connection that transcends language barriers, as they 'understood each other even in Japanese.' This metaphor emphasizes the profound level of understanding between the two. However, the repeated line 'Ya basta de ti' ('Enough of you') reveals a struggle to move on, despite acknowledging that the person remains a vital reason for living.
The song's bridge conveys a sense of inevitability in forgetting a past love, yet the singer admits he doesn't see this happening soon. The final lines twist the earlier sentiment by stating that the person has become a reason to die, suggesting that the pain of the lost love is overwhelming. Madero's lyrics explore the complexity of holding onto memories while trying to let go, the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, and the difficulty of moving on from a significant relationship.