Las Ciudades

Astor Piazzolla's song "Las Ciudades" is a profound meditation on the nature of cities and their impact on human life. The lyrics begin with a plea for divine grace to build cities that mature like trees, suggesting a desire for urban environments that grow and thrive before they decay. This metaphor sets the stage for a critical examination of modern cities, which are described as being founded on hatred and destined to return to dust. The repetition of the phrase "ciudades, fundadas para odiar" (cities, founded to hate) underscores a sense of disillusionment with urban life, portraying cities as lifeless and ultimately transient structures.

The song's middle section delves deeper into the existential void that cities can create. The absence of stars, the departure of earth, mountains, and sun, and the reign of total solitude paint a bleak picture of urban existence. This imagery suggests that cities, despite their towering heights and bustling activity, can lead to a profound sense of isolation and disconnection from nature and the cosmos. The reference to the "final destruction" hints at an apocalyptic vision, where the ultimate fate of cities is one of desolation and ruin.

However, Piazzolla also offers a glimmer of hope and renewal. The lyrics shift to a more optimistic tone, envisioning the possibility of rebuilding and creating new cities. The idea of kissing a loved one to conceive a child with the spirit of a peaceful builder symbolizes a hopeful future where cities can be born anew, infused with love and creativity. The imagery of streets bleeding, fountains giving birth to hearts with faith, and puddles harboring fledgling seas suggests a vibrant, living city that nurtures its inhabitants. The song concludes with a call to feel the annunciation of new cities and to begin constructing them, even as the old ones return to dust.

"Las Ciudades" is a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of urban life, the potential for both decay and renewal, and the human desire to create meaningful, enduring spaces. Piazzolla's evocative lyrics and haunting melodies invite listeners to contemplate the deeper significance of the cities they inhabit and the legacy they leave behind.