Sin Tanta Soledad

Santiago Feliu's song 'Sin Tanta Soledad' is a rich tapestry of introspection, paradoxes, and the search for meaning in the mundane aspects of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man in his forties, surrounded by everyday items like Lucky Strike cigarettes, Respibien nasal spray, and Just for Men hair dye. These objects symbolize the passage of time and the small efforts to maintain youth and vitality. The mention of his son and a new, beautiful woman in his life adds layers of personal relationships and the complexities they bring. Despite these connections, he finds himself 'divertidamente aburrido' (amusingly bored), highlighting the paradox of feeling both entertained and bored by life's routine.

Feliu describes himself with a series of contradictions: perfect yet stuttering, left-handed yet lazy, a blend of reason and rebellion. He identifies as 'la trova del rock and roll,' merging traditional Cuban folk music with the rebellious spirit of rock. This duality reflects his struggle to reconcile different aspects of his identity. He calls himself a 'pequeñísimo burgués sencillo' (a very small, simple bourgeois), indicating a modest, unpretentious lifestyle. The 'tristeza hueca en el bolsillo' (hollow sadness in the pocket) suggests a lingering emptiness despite material or social achievements. The line 'una reunión que tuvo el Diablo con Dios' (a meeting between the Devil and God) encapsulates the internal conflict between good and evil, joy and sorrow.

The recurring theme of solitude is central to the song. Feliu speaks of 'una soledad con otra soledad... sin tanta soledad' (one solitude with another solitude... without so much solitude), suggesting that shared loneliness can alleviate the burden of isolation. He seeks genuine connection, asking for love 'sin ningún sufrir' (without any suffering) and emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and sincerity. The song concludes with a call to live and love authentically, 'sin tanta soledad,' embracing the paradoxes and complexities of life without being overwhelmed by them.