De Paso

León Gieco's song 'De Paso' delves into the transient nature of life and the impermanence of human existence. The lyrics open with a powerful statement: 'Decir espera es un crimen, Decir mañana es igual que matar,' which translates to 'To say wait is a crime, To say tomorrow is the same as killing.' This sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the urgency of living in the present moment. Gieco suggests that dwelling on the past or postponing actions for the future is futile, as life is inherently unpredictable and fleeting. The scars of yesterday do not aid in moving forward, and the only constant is death, which he describes as 'la más inmutable razón' or 'the most immutable reason.'

The song also critiques societal structures and the illusion of control. Gieco points out that those who set the rules of the game are often driven by fear, not genuine participation. 'Quien pone reglas al juego, Se engaña si dice que es jugador,' meaning 'Who sets the rules of the game, deceives themselves if they say they are a player,' highlights the hypocrisy and fear underlying societal norms. He further critiques the scientific approach to understanding life, suggesting that science is merely a strategy to bind the truth, which is more than just material; it hides a deeper mystery.

Gieco's refrain, 'Que no, que no, que el pensamiento, No puede tomar asiento,' or 'No, no, thought cannot take a seat,' reinforces the idea that thought and life are in constant motion. The song portrays life as an 'accidente' or accident, a mix of joy and pain, and thought as something that must always be 'de paso' or passing through. This reflects a philosophical stance that embraces the transient and ever-changing nature of existence, urging listeners to live authentically and in the moment, rather than being bogged down by the past or paralyzed by the future.