Mi Hijo El Refinao

Abel Soria's song 'Mi Hijo El Refinao' delves into the generational clash between a traditional father and his modernized son. The father eagerly anticipates his son's return from Montevideo, reflecting on how the city life has likely transformed him. The lyrics capture the father's mixed emotions, from pride to bewilderment, as he notices the changes in his son's language, appearance, and musical preferences. The father's initial excitement turns into confusion and slight disappointment when he realizes his son has adopted a more urban and contemporary lifestyle, symbolized by his use of electronic instruments and modern slang.

The song uses rich metaphors and cultural references to highlight the tension between tradition and modernity. The father represents the old guard, valuing traditional gaucho culture, acoustic instruments, and folk music. In contrast, the son embodies the new generation, embracing electronic music and the beat culture of the city. This dichotomy is vividly illustrated when the father struggles to understand his son's electronic guitar, which he compares to a 'planchador' (ironing board), emphasizing the gap in their cultural understanding.

Despite the initial conflict, the song ultimately conveys a message of reconciliation and mutual respect. The father acknowledges the validity of his son's new cultural expressions, even if he doesn't fully understand them. He recognizes that each generation has its own way of expressing itself and that the new generation's music, though different, is a legitimate form of art. The song ends on a note of compromise, with the father offering his traditional guitar to his son, symbolizing a bridge between the old and the new. This gesture underscores the importance of maintaining a connection to one's roots while also embracing change and innovation.