Solo Fuimos

José Larralde's song 'Solo Fuimos' delves into the transient nature of love and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a relationship that once held promise but ultimately faded away. The opening lines describe the relationship as a 'quimera,' a mythical creature, suggesting it was an illusion or a dream. The imagery of a 'balsa sin ribera' (a raft without a shore) and a 'destino sin mañana' (a destiny without tomorrow) further emphasizes the fleeting and uncertain nature of their bond.

The song continues with metaphors that evoke a sense of loss and decay. A 'retrato que envejece en el altillo' (a portrait aging in the attic) symbolizes memories that have been forgotten or neglected. The 'lucero sin su brillo' (a star without its shine) and 'un morir cada semana' (a dying every week) convey the gradual fading of their love and the recurring pain of separation. The 'ventana por la que entraba el verano' (the window through which summer entered) now escapes from the narrator's grasp, taking away their laughter and joy.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes even more somber. The 'chimenea adorno con las alas de ceniza' (chimney adorned with wings of ash) suggests that what once soared high has now turned to ashes. The narrator reflects on missed opportunities and the irreversible passage of time, symbolized by the 'expreso se marchaba' (the express train leaving). The return of the loved one in autumn, only to wither the narrator's 'retoño' (sprout), signifies the finality of their separation. The song concludes with a haunting question about the fate of their dreams and desires, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy and reflection on the ephemeral nature of life and love.