A Mi Cerrada
Fernando Delgadillo
Nostalgia and Change in 'A Mi Cerrada' by Fernando Delgadillo
Fernando Delgadillo's song 'A Mi Cerrada' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's childhood, where an open field and a closed street ('cerrada') marked the boundaries of his world. This space, once a playground for his imagination and adventures, symbolizes innocence and simplicity. The imagery of riding a bicycle through the rain and navigating a street that felt like an ocean evokes a sense of freedom and boundless possibility.
As the song progresses, Delgadillo describes the transformation of his neighborhood into a residential area filled with new houses and indifferent neighbors. This shift brings a sense of nostalgia and loss, as the once familiar and intimate space becomes alien and unrecognizable. The 'cerrada' that was once a gathering place for friends and a sanctuary of childhood memories is now occupied by 'chicos engreídos' (conceited kids) who speak of a world foreign to him. This change highlights the theme of growing up and the bittersweet realization that the past cannot be reclaimed.
The latter part of the song delves into Delgadillo's adult life, where he experiences love and the responsibilities of work. Despite these new experiences, he finds solace in returning to his 'cerrada,' which now feels like a private refuge. However, the encroaching city and its relentless noise and activity create a sense of entrapment. The city is depicted as a 'dark eternal street' filled with strangers, emphasizing feelings of isolation and disconnection. The final lines reveal a profound sense of disillusionment as Delgadillo sees his 'cerrada' not as a place of comfort but as a 'callejón sin salida' (dead-end street), symbolizing the inescapable nature of change and the loss of his childhood sanctuary.