Yo Quiero Ser Bombero

Alberto Cortez's song 'Yo Quiero Ser Bombero' is a poignant reflection on the dreams of childhood and the pressures of societal expectations. The lyrics tell the story of a child whose family members each have their own aspirations for his future: an engineer, a doctor, a banker, a seducer, a tradesman, or a soldier. Despite these projections, the child harbors his own dream of becoming a firefighter, a symbol of his true passion and identity.

As the child grows into adulthood, he succumbs to the expectations placed upon him, becoming a successful lawyer and a father, perpetuating the cycle with his own child. The song highlights the tension between individual desires and the roles that family and society expect one to play. The repeated chorus, 'Bombero, bombero, yo quiero ser bombero,' serves as a mantra for the protagonist's suppressed dream and a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself.

In the final verses, the narrative shifts to the child as an old man, reflecting on his life and the dreams that have faded away. The song closes with the old man's last breath, softly singing of his desire to be a firefighter, a poignant end to a life lived in the shadow of others' expectations. Cortez's song is a touching commentary on the universal struggle to maintain one's identity amidst external pressures, and the bittersweet realization that some dreams remain unfulfilled.