Vos también estabas verde
Charly García
Navigating Nostalgia and Uncertainty in 'Vos también estabas verde'
Charly García's song 'Vos también estabas verde' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, uncertainty, and the passage of time. The lyrics open with the imagery of a jet flying south, symbolizing a journey or escape. The 'cosmic belt of the folkloric coffin' and the DC-10 turning into stars upon crashing evoke a sense of fatalism and the inevitability of change. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the protagonist feels lost, akin to a jet lost in the clouds, unsure of his direction but driven by a heart that isn't blind.
The song delves into themes of love and departure, with the protagonist expressing a desire to rise to the heavens and live through making love, yet acknowledging the need to leave. This duality of wanting to stay and the compulsion to go reflects a deep internal conflict. The mention of drinking whisky and questioning if someone would have stayed when he was 'nobody' and without money adds layers of vulnerability and self-doubt. It highlights the protagonist's struggle with self-worth and the fear of being loved for who he truly is, rather than for his success or status.
Nostalgia is a recurring theme, as the protagonist reflects on past actions and the people who were part of his journey. The line 'I listened to the Beatles and went to seek solitude, and you were also green' suggests a shared innocence or naivety in the past. This shared 'greenness' symbolizes a time of youth and inexperience, contrasting with the present where the protagonist feels the weight of his experiences. The song closes with the repeated assertion of the ability to ascend to the heavens and die making love, yet the inevitability of departure remains, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of love and life’s transient moments.