De La Ausencia y de Ti

Silvio Rodriguez's song "De La Ausencia y de Ti" is a poignant reflection on absence, memory, and the lingering feelings that remain after a separation. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and the struggle to cope with the void left by a loved one's departure. Rodriguez, a Cuban singer-songwriter known for his influential role in the Nueva Trova movement, often infuses his music with poetic imagery and social commentary, which is evident in this song as well.

The opening lines of the song reveal the narrator's attempts to find solace in the mundane act of breathing, avoiding places that hold memories, and trying to forget shared experiences. The mention of a book and the creation of a song suggest a connection to the past that is both cherished and painful. The chorus speaks to the unchanged nature of the world around him, despite the absence of the person he longs for. This highlights the contrast between the static external environment and the internal turmoil he experiences.

As the song progresses, Rodriguez touches on themes of nostalgia and the bittersweet recollection of intimate moments, such as accidentally stepping on someone's feet and laughing together. The reference to Teté, a place they used to visit, and the discussion of current events like war and death, bring a sense of reality and the passage of time into the narrative. The song concludes with a desire for wisdom and the ability to express feelings that remain unsaid, using metaphors of nature and survival to convey a message of enduring love and the transformative power of absence.