Tertulia refers to a social gathering or discussion, often informal, where people meet regularly to talk about literature, art, politics, or other topics.
In the song, the lyrics mention "Debatiendo en una interminable tertulia" (Debating in an endless tertulia), highlighting how people endlessly discuss and blame time for their problems, rather than taking action. It's a more sophisticated word than a simple "reunion" or "meeting," suggesting a deeper, more intellectual, and perhaps even a bit pretentious, conversation.
Cómo Pasa El Tiempo turns the relentless ticking of the clock into a witty philosophy lesson. El Cuarteto de Nos imagines tiempo as a crafty god who never forgives, heals only what no longer matters and loves to toy with us. The singer decides to flip the script: instead of letting time use him, he will squeeze every drop out of each second, refusing to “waste money” on a day that slips away. Lines like “the tomorrow of yesterday is today” and the repeated “voló” (it flew) capture the strange duality of hours that feel fast and slow at once, always slipping through our fingers.
Beneath the humor lies an urgent call to live in the present. Blaming time for our failures is pointless; after all, even if you silence the rooster, dawn will still arrive. What really matters is the trace we leave behind, not how long we stick around. This song invites listeners to stop day-dreaming about immortality and start filling ordinary days—rainy ones included—with purpose. It is a playful reminder that every moment we are distracted, time is already miles ahead, so the best synonym for later is now.