Ya Eran Las Cinco De La Tarde

Victor Manuel's song 'Ya Eran Las Cinco De La Tarde' is a poignant narrative that delves into the tragic and symbolic world of bullfighting. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a bullfight, capturing the tension and fatalism that permeate the event. The repeated reference to 'las cinco de la tarde' (five in the afternoon) is a nod to the traditional time for bullfights in Spain, but it also carries a deeper, almost ritualistic significance, marking the hour of destiny for both the bull and the matador.

The song opens with the bull and the matador facing each other, a moment charged with anticipation and inevitability. The imagery of a sun 'bañado en sangre' (bathed in blood) and the horizon painted in color sets a dramatic and somber tone. The matador's actions are described with a sense of fatalism, as if he is walking towards his own execution. The crowd's reaction, from whistles to clamor, adds to the atmosphere of a public spectacle that is both revered and brutal.

The chorus, where the matador pleads with the bull not to look him in the eyes, underscores the humanity and vulnerability behind the bravado. The mention of the 'escapulario de la virgen Macarena' (scapular of the Virgin Macarena) introduces a religious element, suggesting a plea for divine intervention or protection. This blend of courage, fear, and faith encapsulates the complex emotions involved in bullfighting.

As the song progresses, the bull's perspective is also highlighted. The bull, sensing its fate, becomes a tragic figure, aware of its impending doom. The final image of the bull disappearing into the dust, with the crowd's clamor fading, leaves a haunting impression. Victor Manuel's lyrics not only tell a story of a bullfight but also explore themes of fate, mortality, and the human condition, making 'Ya Eran Las Cinco De La Tarde' a powerful and evocative piece.