La Vejez

Alberto Cortez's song 'La Vejez' is a poignant reflection on aging, a universal human experience that is both inevitable and often unanticipated. The lyrics personify old age as an artist who arrives 'slowly' and 'inevitably,' beginning its work with subtle changes. The song opens with the image of old age catching the narrator off guard, likely 'distracted' or 'asleep,' suggesting that the transition into old age can happen without one's immediate realization. The use of laurels as a bed implies that the narrator may be resting on past achievements, unaware that time continues to move forward.

As the song progresses, Cortez describes the physical manifestations of aging, such as gray hairs and wrinkles, with a sense of resignation. The 'hebras de plata' (strands of silver) and lines on the neck represent the visible signs of aging, while the need for glasses to 'suffer the news' hints at the decline of sensory acuity and perhaps a growing disillusionment with the world. The lyrics also touch on the internal changes that come with age, such as increased stubbornness and desires, suggesting that aging affects not only the body but also the personality and habits.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the inevitability of aging, calling it 'the most severe of dictatorships' and 'the grave ceremony of closure' of youth. These lines convey a sense of powerlessness against the passage of time and the finality of youth's end. The song closes with a contemplation of the potential outcomes of old age, whether becoming a respected elder full of wisdom or being isolated and watching life's 'last roses' being cut away. Cortez's lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and the passage of time, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of growing older.