Últimamente

Ismael Serrano's song "Últimamente" delves into the emotional turmoil and existential confusion that often accompany periods of personal crisis. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with old fears and new routines, feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him. The opening lines set the tone, describing how he feels defeated by "viejos fantasmas" (old ghosts) and "nuevas rutinas" (new routines), suggesting a struggle with both past traumas and present monotony.

The recurring theme of feeling uninvited to life's "fiesta" (party) underscores a deep sense of alienation and exclusion. This metaphor highlights the protagonist's perception of being an outsider, unable to fully participate in the joys and experiences that others seem to take for granted. The mention of "rateros" (thieves) stealing his "alhajas" (jewels), "recuerdos" (memories), and "felicidades" (happiness) further emphasizes the sense of loss and vulnerability.

Serrano also explores the complexities of love and self-worth. The protagonist admits to falling for "mujeres comprometidas" (committed women), which brings both fleeting comfort and inevitable deceit. His self-esteem is depicted as being "unos puntos por debajo del de Kafka," a reference to the famously melancholic writer Franz Kafka, indicating a profound sense of inadequacy and despair. The repeated refrain, "me cuesta tanto, tanto, tanto, no amarte" (it's so hard, so hard, so hard not to love you), encapsulates the internal struggle between longing and the painful reality of unrequited or impossible love.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist contemplates escape, even fantasizing about moving to Mars to start anew, free from societal expectations and judgments. This desire for a fresh start reflects a yearning for liberation from his current state of confusion and heartache. The song concludes with a glimmer of hope, acknowledging that while "tristes amaneceres" (sad sunrises) are frequent, there is a possibility of better times ahead, filled with new mistakes, fewer explanations, and fresh songs to tell his story.