Aquella Caricia de Otono

The song 'Aquella Caricia de Otono' by New Trolls is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's childhood memories, focusing on the relationship with his father. The opening lines describe the anticipation and joy of hearing his father's footsteps, abandoning his games to be with him. This imagery of hiding in the shadows of a green apple tree and challenging his father to find him evokes a sense of innocence and playful love.

As the song progresses, it delves into the deeper emotions of fear and longing. The mention of being carried to bed after dinner and receiving a 'caricia de otoño' (autumn caress) from his father highlights a tender moment of comfort and security. However, this is juxtaposed with the fear and darkness the child feels when left alone, emphasizing the vulnerability and dependency of childhood. The refrain '¿Dónde está el pasado que fue?' (Where is the past that was?) reflects a yearning for the lost strength and adventure of youth, a common theme in songs about growing up and the inevitable changes that come with it.

The second verse shifts to the winter days, marked by the absence of the father and the mother's sorrowful responses to the child's questions. The repeated question '¿Dónde estás tú?' (Where are you?) underscores the confusion and pain of loss, as the child grapples with the reality of his father's absence. The mother's sad eyes and the revelation that 'él ya no está' (he is no longer here) add a layer of melancholy, highlighting the impact of loss on the family. The song's chorus reiterates the longing for the past, the 'caricia de otoño,' and the adventurous spirit that has faded away, encapsulating the universal human experience of nostalgia and the search for lost time.