This is the story of the most famous song that plays on New Year’s Eve. This is how the song ‘Faltan 5 pa’ las 12′ was created.
There is no New Year in Colombia, nor in much of Latin America, without it ringing5 left by 12′. It is enough to listen to the first verses for the tears, hugs and memories. Although many sing it with joy and hope, few know that this song was born from a deeply sad storymarked by absence, pain and a definitive farewell. What today is an inevitable song for the new year, in reality, was a lament turned into music.
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The origin of the song: 5 are missing for 12
‘There are 5 left at 12’ It was composed and performed by the Venezuelan singer Nestor Zavarce at the beginning of the 60s. Inspiration came after death of his mothera devastating blow that left him with a deep feeling of emptiness just at a time associated with family union.
Instead of writing a festive song, the writer decided to capture what he felt at that moment: the sadness of receiving the New Year without one of the most important beings in your life. For this reason, the lyrics do not talk about parties, but about memories, goodbyes and the impossibility of turning back time. Since its creation, the theme was a personal catharsis that ended up connecting with millions of people who also They had lost someone they loved.
Why does the song make us cry?
Although the rhythm is soft and almost cheerful, the lyrics of ‘5 left by 12′ It’s very emotional. Talk about time goneof what will not return and of the hugs that can no longer be given. Therefore, as the clock approaches midnight, the song becomes a kind of collective ritual.
For many, listening to it is remembering family members who are no longer herefriends who are gone or moments that remain in the past. The song achieves something very particular: it mixes the sadness with hopeallowing one to mourn what was lost while welcoming a new beginning. That emotional duality is what has kept it relevant for decades.
As time went by, ‘5 left by 12′ It stopped being just a Venezuelan song to become a Latin American anthem. In countries like Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador and Peruplays without fail on radio stations, family gatherings and special broadcasts that announce the arrival of the new year.
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Beyond its sad story, the song leaves us a powerful message: closing cycles is also a form of love. The song invites us to look back, be grateful for what we have experienced and accept that time continues its course in a new cycle of 365 days, even when it hurts.
Therefore, each December 31between tears and hugs, this song continues to play. It not only marks the end of a yearbut reminds us that remember those who are no longer here It is also a way to keep them alive.
