Canciones de Jirafas

Charly García's 'Canciones de Jirafas' is a fascinating exploration of existential musings and emotional introspection. The song opens with a seemingly mundane greeting, 'No tengo nada que decirte, Sólo: hola, como estás?' (I have nothing to say to you, just: hello, how are you?), which sets a tone of casual yet profound reflection. This line suggests a sense of familiarity and comfort, yet also hints at the deeper layers of unspoken thoughts and feelings that lie beneath the surface. The repetition of 'Solo el viento' (Only the wind) evokes a sense of transience and the passage of time, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of life and experiences.

The lyrics 'Ellos no saben, No saben que verán, Sólo caras, Caras viejas' (They don't know, They don't know what they will see, Only faces, Old faces) introduce a theme of disillusionment and the inevitability of aging. García seems to be commenting on the superficiality of societal perceptions and the inevitability of growing old. The imagery of 'caras viejas' (old faces) serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the changes it brings, both physically and emotionally.

The chorus, 'Ven, ven hasta la casa, Estoy haciendo una comida nueva, Yo te quería, pero ahora te quiero mas' (Come, come to the house, I'm making a new meal, I loved you, but now I love you more), shifts the focus to a more intimate and personal space. The act of making a 'new meal' symbolizes renewal and the nurturing of relationships. The repetition of 'hiciste' (you made) underscores the impact of the other person on the narrator's life, suggesting a deepening of affection and connection. The final lines, '¿qué pasa? ¿qué estoy haciendo acá? Canciones de jirafas, Con el cuello hasta acá' (What's happening? What am I doing here? Songs of giraffes, With the neck up to here), leave the listener with a sense of bewilderment and curiosity. The metaphor of 'giraffes' with their long necks could symbolize a broader perspective or a feeling of being out of place, adding to the song's enigmatic and contemplative nature.