Perdiendo El Tiempo
Patricio Rey y Sus Redonditos de Ricota
The Embers of Lost Love: An Analysis of 'Perdiendo el tiempo'
The song 'Perdiendo el tiempo' by Los Redonditos de Ricota, an iconic Argentine rock band, delves into the emotional turmoil of a person witnessing the departure of a loved one. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist standing on a pier, watching a ferry carry away someone they care deeply about. This moment signifies a turning point where the protagonist realizes that their love was no longer sufficient for their partner, as indicated by the line 'El amor empezó a quedarte chico y el silencio lo enredó.' The silence between them has grown, entangling and complicating their relationship.
The repeated invocation of 'Angeles' suggests a plea for divine intervention or guidance, highlighting the protagonist's feeling of being stuck, unable to leave because of a 'fuego'—a fire that could symbolize passion or a dream that still burns within them. The woman in question is described as someone who was once vibrant and full of life, dancing in the flames, but now, her departure leaves the protagonist with a sense of dread about not playing their role correctly in the unfolding drama of life.
The final verses of the song touch on themes of memory and fear. Memories that 'lie a little' suggest a recognition that the past may be idealized or distorted by emotion. The protagonist fears that their shared fear will freeze their personal hell, a metaphor for the pain and stagnation they feel. The cold wind blowing through the city serves as a metaphor for the chilling realization of time lost and the loneliness that follows a significant departure.