Medianoche

Patricio Manns' 'Medianoche' is a hauntingly beautiful bolero that delves into themes of farewell, loss, and the passage of time. The song's title, which translates to 'Midnight,' sets the stage for a moment of reflection and finality. Manns invites the listener to join him in a ritualistic farewell, symbolized by the act of drinking from twelve cups, each representing a chime of the midnight bell. This imagery evokes a sense of inevitability and the cold, unyielding march of time.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors that convey deep emotional pain and resignation. The 'twelve cups' and 'twelve chimes' serve as a countdown to an inevitable separation, while the 'frozen bronze' of the bells symbolizes the cold, unchangeable nature of their parting. Manns' use of winter imagery, such as 'the bitter snow that melted in winter,' further emphasizes the desolation and emotional coldness that accompanies this farewell. The 'abandoned heart' he speaks of underscores a profound sense of loneliness and despair.

In the third stanza, Manns intensifies the emotional weight by describing the act of 'biting into twelve screams,' a visceral metaphor for experiencing deep, doubled pain. The 'last mouth you will kiss' signifies a final, irreversible goodbye, as the beloved walks towards the sunset, a metaphor for the end of a journey or life. The song concludes with the notion of 'eternity of our two exiles,' suggesting that both parties are condemned to a perpetual state of separation and sorrow. Through 'Medianoche,' Manns masterfully captures the essence of a poignant, heart-wrenching farewell, making it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced profound loss.