Otoño

Pablo Milanés' song 'Otoño' is a poignant reflection on solitude, change, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person sitting alone in an old chair, waiting for autumn and a sad song. This imagery sets the tone for the entire piece, evoking a sense of melancholy and introspection. The protagonist's isolation is palpable, as they observe the world around them continuing to live, dream, and seek with passion, while they remain stuck in a state of disillusionment, waiting for the season to change.

The song delves deeper into the theme of change and the inevitability of certain events. Milanés uses the metaphor of autumn to represent a period of transition and decay, which is both beautiful and sorrowful. The line 'El otoño es el mismo que acaricia y se muere' (Autumn is the same that caresses and dies) captures this duality perfectly. The mention of snow covering the leaves of pain further emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of loss and sorrow.

In the final stanza, the protagonist acknowledges that things will change outside, but they remain resigned to their fate, continuing to wait in their old chair for autumn and the sad song to pass. This resignation highlights a deep sense of acceptance and perhaps a hint of hope that the melancholy will eventually give way to something new. Milanés' 'Otoño' is a beautifully crafted song that captures the essence of human emotion and the passage of time, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of change.