Dedicada al hijo
Charly García
A Father's Reflection: Navigating Time and Dreams
Charly García's song "Dedicada al hijo" is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, missed opportunities, and the complex relationship between a parent and child. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and introspection, as the narrator contemplates the time not lived and the experiences missed. This theme is encapsulated in the lines, "El tiempo que no viví, el tiempo que me perdí," which translate to "The time I didn't live, the time I missed." The song suggests a dreamlike state where reality and imagination blur, symbolized by the gift of an auricular (headphone) and a record to look at, perhaps representing a way to connect with memories and emotions through music.
The song also touches on the idea of providing comfort and guidance, as seen in the lines, "Te voy a dar un colchón con ruedas y un planeador," meaning "I'm going to give you a mattress with wheels and a glider." This imagery suggests a desire to offer support and a different perspective on life, allowing the child to see their life from a new vantage point. The recurring mention of the moon and sleep, such as "No sé si la luna te hace reconciliar," or "I don't know if the moon makes you reconcile," adds a layer of introspection and the hope for reconciliation and understanding.
García's lyrics also delve into the solitude and responsibility felt by the parent, as they make plans for the child's future while feeling isolated. The lines, "Y mientras duermes, estoy yo solo acá, hago los planes que vas a ser normal," translate to "And while you sleep, I'm here alone, making plans for you to be normal." This highlights the parent's struggle with their own expectations and the societal pressures of raising a child. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance of the past, acknowledging the simple lies, pills, and a home that doesn't feel like home, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of parenthood and the passage of time.