Despacio

La Oreja de Van Gogh's song 'Despacio' is a poetic exploration of the concept of time and the varying speeds at which we experience it. The lyrics delve into the dichotomy of time moving slowly when we are in a state of longing or waiting, and quickly when we are immersed in moments of joy or fulfillment. This theme is encapsulated in the repeated lines, 'Despacio pasan las horas cuando quiero tener sueño / Cuando es un sueño que quiero las horas pasan corriendo,' which translate to 'Slowly the hours pass when I want to sleep / When it is a dream I want, the hours run by.'

The song employs vivid metaphors to illustrate these contrasting experiences. For instance, 'Como la noche acuesta el día' ('Like the night puts the day to bed') and 'Como se besa al diablo' ('Like kissing the devil') evoke a sense of slow, deliberate actions that require patience and contemplation. These images contrast with the urgency and fleeting nature of desired dreams, highlighting the subjective nature of time.

Culturally, 'Despacio' resonates with the universal human experience of time's elasticity. Whether it's the slow passage of time during moments of anticipation or the rapid flow during periods of happiness, the song captures the essence of how our perception of time is influenced by our emotional states. La Oreja de Van Gogh, known for their emotive and introspective lyrics, masterfully conveys this through a blend of poetic language and evocative imagery, making 'Despacio' a reflective and relatable piece for listeners.