Para Mañana

Mercedes Sosa's 'Para Mañana' is a profound exploration of life, death, and the eternal connection between humanity and nature. The song's lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a soul's journey beyond the physical realm. Sosa, known for her powerful voice and deep emotional delivery, uses this song to delve into themes of transformation and rebirth, reflecting her deep connection to her cultural roots and the natural world.

The opening lines, 'Quiero morir una tarde con el sol en las entrañas,' set the tone for the song, expressing a desire to die with the sun within one's being. This imagery suggests a longing for a peaceful and natural end, where one's essence becomes part of the earth. The reference to 'ceibos,' a type of tree, and the transformation of hands into branches, symbolizes a return to nature and the cyclical nature of life and death. The idea of the wind turning time into a guitar further emphasizes the theme of continuity and the eternal presence of one's spirit in the world.

As the song progresses, Sosa speaks of kissing the beginning of an unkissed night and inaugurating a 'vidala,' a traditional Argentine folk song. This signifies a new beginning and the creation of something timeless and beautiful. The imagery of breaking into tears and becoming dew at dawn represents a purification and renewal process. The humble seed metaphor highlights the simplicity and humility of life, suggesting that from the earth, new life and new beginnings will always emerge.

The final verses bring the song full circle, with Sosa expressing a desire to be part of the burning wine of an unnamed bagualero, a traditional folk singer. This connection to the folk tradition underscores the importance of cultural heritage and the enduring power of music and song. The imagery of opening up along six paths and aging in the light symbolizes the journey of life and the merging of different destinies into a new dawn. The song concludes with a sense of illumination and peace, as the singer envisions a bright new beginning even in the night of farewell.