Ayer, Pasado Mañana
Santiago Feliu
Navigating the Timelessness of Love and Loss
Santiago Feliu's song "Ayer, Pasado Mañana" delves into the complexities of time, love, and emotional ambivalence. The title itself, which translates to "Yesterday, The Day After Tomorrow," sets the stage for a lyrical exploration that transcends conventional temporal boundaries. Feliu's use of time as a fluid concept reflects the often nonlinear nature of human emotions and relationships. By juxtaposing 'yesterday' with 'the day after tomorrow,' he suggests that the past and future are intertwined, making it difficult to distinguish between what has been and what is yet to come.
The lyrics are filled with contradictions and uncertainties, as seen in lines like "Ni sí ni no, ni fuego ni bandera" (Neither yes nor no, neither fire nor flag). This ambivalence captures the essence of a relationship that is neither fully alive nor completely dead. Feliu's refusal to commit to definitive statements mirrors the indecisiveness that often accompanies deep emotional experiences. The line "Ni te mato ni me muero" (Neither do I kill you nor do I die) further emphasizes this state of limbo, where neither party is willing to take drastic actions, yet both are profoundly affected.
In the final stanza, Feliu sings, "Lejos de ti, las pesadillas se parecen a los sueños" (Far from you, nightmares resemble dreams). This poignant line encapsulates the blurred lines between joy and sorrow, reality and illusion, when one is distanced from a loved one. The song's cyclical structure, ending with a return to the phrase "Ayer, pasado mañana," reinforces the idea that time and emotions are perpetually looping, making it challenging to find closure or clarity. Through his poetic and introspective lyrics, Santiago Feliu invites listeners to reflect on the timeless and often paradoxical nature of love and loss.