Latidos translates to "heartbeats". While seemingly simple, it's a profound word in this song, especially when paired with "tres mil millones" (three billion).
Jorge Drexler uses this phrase to reflect on the finite nature of life, contemplating the immense yet limited number of heartbeats one is given. It's a poetic and introspective way to talk about the preciousness of time and existence, making it a memorable and thought-provoking choice.
Jorge Drexler's "Tres mil millones de latidos" [Three billion beats] is a beautiful, reflective song about feeling like a temporary visitor in the world. He starts by saying, "Estoy aquí de paso, Yo soy un pasajero" [I am here in passing, I am a passenger], emphasizing that he doesn't want to take anything or misuse the world. He feels a bit lost, "sin saber mi paradero" [without knowing my whereabouts], but also grateful for being given "alojamiento en el más antiguo de los viveros" [lodging in the oldest of nurseries].
He wonders about returning, but doesn't know where or when, asking the gardener who "No me responde" [doesn't answer me]. This feeling of being a transient observer is central, as he states, "Hay gente que es de un lugar, No es mi caso, Yo estoy aquí de paso" [There are people who are from a place, That's not my case, I am here in passing]. He's just "todo oídos" [all ears], taking it all in, knowing he only has "Tres mil millones de mis latidos" [Three billion of my heartbeats] – a poetic way to say life is short. It's a gentle reminder to appreciate the present moment, even if you feel like you're just passing through.