Roberto Roena (born January 16, 1940 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico) was a latin … Read Full Bio ↴Roberto Roena (born January 16, 1940 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico) was a latin and jazz percussionist as well as being a dancer and baseball player.

He was a founding member of Puerto Rican salsa orchestra El Gran Combo as well as latin band Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound. Roena was also a member of the Fania All-stars with whom he recorded his signature song 'coro miyare'
In 1970 Roena joined Cameroonian Saxophonist Manu Dibango, a massive step for salsa fusion music.

Shades Of Time
Roberto Roena Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tell me the things that you see
Or is it some time that you need
All of the things that you've done
I'm certain that you had your fun

Go out and make it better
You can make it if you try
Try to make it better

Somebody calls in the night
Says he can make things go right
I know there'll soon come a day
Things will start falling your way

I'll try to help if I can
So don't hide your head in the sand, oh no

Why are you feeling so low
You're wondering where will you go

Overall Meaning

The song "Shades Of Time" by Roberto Roena is a reflective song that deals with personal struggles and doubts. The singer appears to be addressing someone who is feeling lost, stuck, or disillusioned. The lyrics suggest that the person is going through a difficult time and is seeking guidance, either from others or from themselves. The opening lines of the song, "Tell me the things that you see / Or is it some time that you need", are a call for the person to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings. The second line implies that the person might need some space or time to sort things out.

The chorus of the song encourages the person to take action and try to make things better. The repeated phrase "Go out and make it better / You can make it if you try / Try to make it better" suggests that the person has the power to improve their situation, but it will require effort and determination. The singer seems to offer support and encouragement, saying that they will try to help if they can and urging the person not to give up or hide from their problems.

The later verses of the song introduce the idea that someone else is offering help, with the lines "Somebody calls in the night / Says he can make things go right". This could be interpreted as either a positive or negative influence, depending on whether the person has reason to trust this other source of support. The song ends with a final plea for the person to keep going and not despair, with the lines "Why are you feeling so low / You're wondering where will you go". The overall sentiment of the song is one of hope, but also acknowledges the challenges and doubts that can make it hard to move forward.

Line by Line Meaning

Tell me the things that you see
Please share your perspective with me.

Or is it some time that you need
Do you require more time for yourself?

All of the things that you've done
I acknowledge and recognize all of your accomplishments.

I'm certain that you had your fun
I know you've enjoyed your experiences.

Go out and make it better
Strive to improve your circumstances.

You can make it if you try
It's possible to succeed with effort and determination.

Try to make it better
Make every attempt to enhance your situation.

Somebody calls in the night
Someone reached out during the night.

Says he can make things go right
They believe they have the ability to improve things.

I know there'll soon come a day
I have faith that ultimately things will improve.

Things will start falling your way
Things will begin to align in your favor.