In 1973, then 18, she finally released her first album called Al Fin...Ednita. The album spawned a #1 Hit: Te Quiero y No Me Importa (I Love You But I Don't Care), and also brought her awards as "New Artist of the Year". With her TV show, Ednita became Puerto Rico's hottest idol.
Sunday Afternoon
Ednita Nazario Lyrics
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The dishes are done,
The buildings here, tall as our mountains
Sliced through the windows and cut off the sun.
On such days I find I am longing for Puerto Rico
Though I never would return 'til you are free
But when I hear the Aguinaldo my heart's a little lighter
In my life I've been unlucky with two husbands
Gumersindo liked his rum and women friends
Then that hypocrite who beat you and preached about repentance
Has gone, and so another Sunday ends
And tomorrow is another hard working Monday
I'm still hoping for the raise they promised me
There's a job as operator
I would not have to wait for
If I could speak the language easily
But I tell Aurea
The barrio's boundaries are our own little nation
Sometimes I hear you run up stairs
And I view my light with resignation
Keep your bible near you
Time is an ocean of endless tears.
In Ednita Nazario's song "Sunday Afternoon," the singer, Salvador, is sitting with the singer in the afternoon sunlight, after they have just finished washing dishes. The tall buildings surrounding them block out the sun and remind the singer of her longing for Puerto Rico, despite not being able to return until Salvador is free. However, when she hears the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas song "Aguinaldo," her heart feels lighter and she remembers dancing with a friend named Aurea. The singer reflects on her past unlucky relationships with two husbands, one of whom was an alcoholic womanizer and the other a hypocritical abuser. The song ends with the singer dreading the start of another hard working Monday and the possibility of a new opportunity as a phone operator, but she struggles with the language barrier. She tells Aurea that their neighborhood is their own little nation, but she also feels resigned to a life of hardship, symbolized by the endless tears of time.
The lyrics in "Sunday Afternoon" paint a vivid picture of the struggles of the Puerto Rican people, both in Puerto Rico and in the diaspora. The nostalgia and homesickness felt by the singer are common themes among migrant communities, especially for those who have been separated from their home countries for extended periods of time. Additionally, the singer's reflections on her past relationships and her desire for better job opportunities highlight the economic hardship and gender inequality experienced by many working-class women. The singer's resilience and determination to keep going despite her struggles is also a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Salvador, the afternoon sunlight is folding around us,
The singer is addressing someone named Salvador, noting that the sun is setting and they are surrounded by tall buildings that block the sun.
The dishes are done,
The singer has finished cleaning up after a meal.
The buildings here, tall as our mountains Sliced through the windows and cut off the sun.
The singer is repeating that the tall buildings around them are blocking the sunlight.
On such days I find I am longing for Puerto Rico Though I never would return 'til you are free
The artist is expressing a desire to go back to Puerto Rico but will not until a certain someone is free.
But when I hear the Aguinaldo my heart's a little lighter And we danced together Aurea and me
The artist is reminded of happier times in Puerto Rico and feels better when listening to a particular style of music.
In my life I've been unlucky with two husbands Gumersindo liked his rum and women friends Then that hypocrite who beat you and preached about repentance Has gone, and so another Sunday ends
The singer has had bad marriages and one of the husbands was abusive but is now gone.
And tomorrow is another hard working Monday I'm still hoping for the raise they promised me There's a job as operator I would not have to wait for If I could speak the language easily
The singer is looking forward to getting a promised raise at work and is interested in a different job if they could only speak the language required.
But I tell Aurea The barrio's boundaries are our own little nation Sometimes I hear you run up stairs And I view my light with resignation Keep your bible near you
The artist tells someone named Aurea that they consider their community their own country and sometimes hears her running upstairs. The artist's mood is one of resignation and advises Aurea to hold on to her faith.
Time is an ocean of endless tears.
The artist makes a poetic statement that time is like an endless ocean of tears.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEREK WALCOTT, PAUL SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind