Hasta Las Cuantas

Los Van Van's song 'Hasta Las Cuantas' is a poignant exploration of longing and emotional turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person deeply in love, yet tormented by the absence of their beloved. The singer expresses a desperate desire to be with their partner, wishing they could magically appear in their dreams or be carried to them by the wind. This yearning is so intense that it manifests physically, with the singer searching for their partner's presence throughout their home, even in their bed and pillow.

The chorus, 'Hasta las cuántas tiene que ser esto,' which translates to 'How long does this have to be,' underscores the singer's frustration and impatience. They are consumed by jealousy and fear of losing their partner, which is evident in lines like 'Me celo con todo lo que te rodea' (I get jealous of everything around you) and 'La cosa es que creo que voy a perderte' (The thing is, I think I'm going to lose you). This emotional intensity is further amplified by the metaphor 'estoy como agua pa chocolate,' meaning 'I'm like water for chocolate,' which signifies being on the verge of boiling over with emotion.

The song also touches on themes of obsession and the passage of time. The singer reads and rereads their partner's letters, looks at their photos, and feels a sense of impending doom as they worry about turning fifty and losing their beloved. The repeated phrase 'pasa el tiempo y yo sigo con mi lamento' (time passes and I continue with my lament) highlights the relentless nature of their sorrow. The music of Los Van Van, known for its rich blend of Cuban rhythms and modern influences, adds a layer of urgency and passion to these heartfelt lyrics, making 'Hasta Las Cuantas' a powerful expression of love and longing.