Mi Viejo Amigo

The song "Mi Viejo Amigo" by Bonanza is a poignant tribute to a departed father, expressing the deep sense of loss and longing felt by a child. The lyrics convey a profound sadness and the impact of the father's absence on the narrator's life. The opening lines set the tone, with the narrator acknowledging how much they miss their father and the guidance he provided. The father's strength and wisdom were clearly pillars in the narrator's life, and without them, they feel adrift, like a 'ship without a rudder.'

The chorus of the song, where the narrator refers to their father as 'my old friend,' highlights the close bond they shared. It's a plea for protection from above, as the narrator asks their father to watch over them and expresses a desire to emulate the virtues of their late parent. This sentiment is common in those who have lost a loved one, where the bereaved seek to honor the memory of the deceased by living up to their example.

The song also touches on the small, everyday moments that have lost their joy in the father's absence, such as the eternal Sundays and the advice shared at the dinner table. The narrator clings to the memories of learning guitar from their father, a bittersweet recollection of shared experiences and lessons passed down. The repeated lines 'las que me enseñaste' (the ones you taught me) underscore the lasting influence of the father's teachings. Overall, "Mi Viejo Amigo" is a heartfelt ode to a father's legacy and the enduring love between parent and child.