Añorar means 'to long for' or 'to yearn for'. It's a beautiful and evocative verb that expresses a deep sense of missing something or someone from the past.
In the song, Esteman sings, "Por eso me voy, buscando añorar" (That's why I'm leaving, looking to yearn). This line is particularly interesting because instead of trying to forget the past, the singer is actively seeking to embrace and even cultivate that feeling of longing, suggesting a complex relationship with his memories and a desire to keep them alive.
"El Pasado" ("The Past") catches Esteman mid-breakup, unable to stop replaying what he's lost. He can't look forward -- "Trazar el pasado que tuve a tu lado" ("Trace the past I had by your side") -- and every attempt to heal comes up short. The chorus frames leaving as a fight against fear, "Por eso me voy, matando mis miedos" ("That's why I'm leaving, killing my fears"), but by the end he admits the walking away is a lie: "Yo seguire, buscandome tu recuerdo" ("I'll keep on, seeking your memory"). It's less a clean goodbye than someone circling the same wound.
Esteman (Esteban Mateus Williamson), born on May 4, 1984, in Bogotá, Colombia, is a celebrated singer and songwriter known for his unique blend of rock en español, Latin pop, and alternative pop. Rising to fame with his viral hit "No te metas a mi Facebook", Esteman has become a vibrant voice in Latin music, releasing acclaimed albums such as 1er Acto, Caótica Belleza, and Amor Libre.
His music is recognized for its theatrical and colorful style, drawing inspiration from his background in art at Universidad de los Andes. Esteman is also noted for his openness about his identity as an openly gay artist, using his platform to promote inclusivity and break taboos within the music industry. With a feminist outlook and a commitment to challenging traditional machismo in Latin music, Esteman continues to captivate audiences across Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and beyond.