NOSTALGIA

Mireille Mathieu's song 'NOSTALGIA' delves into the complex and often bittersweet emotions associated with reminiscing about the past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of fleeting moments and memories that evoke a sense of longing. The opening lines, 'Una furtiva lagrima / Un leve roce la voz,' suggest a delicate and almost imperceptible tear and a gentle touch of the voice, symbolizing the subtle yet profound impact of past experiences on the present. The 'sombra fugas que pasa' (fleeting shadow that passes) and 'antiguas heridas de amor' (old wounds of love) further emphasize the transient and sometimes painful nature of these memories.

The song explores the concept of time, highlighting its relentless passage and the impossibility of reclaiming what has been lost. 'Tiempo que siempre se va / Y que ya no volverá' (Time that always goes / And will not return) underscores the inevitability of change and the futility of clinging to the past. Mathieu personifies nostalgia as a 'duende,' a mythical creature that embodies passion and deception. This duende 'huye de los espejos' (flees from mirrors) and 'vuelve suicida al ayer' (returns suicidally to the past), illustrating the elusive and often self-destructive nature of dwelling on bygone days.

The chorus serves as a poignant plea to this duende, urging it not to deceive the heart with false promises of passion and illusion. 'Memoria que miente a la razón / Recuerdos que matan la ilusión' (Memory that lies to reason / Memories that kill the illusion) captures the tension between the allure of nostalgia and the harsh reality it often conceals. By addressing nostalgia directly, Mathieu acknowledges its power while also resisting its seductive pull. The repetition of 'No me engañes con nostalgia a mi corazón' (Do not deceive my heart with nostalgia) reinforces the desire to break free from the past's grip and embrace the present with clarity and honesty.