Al Sol Del Mediodía

Fernando Delgadillo's song "Al Sol Del Mediodía" paints a vivid picture of the sweltering midday heat in a bustling city, specifically focusing on the experience of being stuck in traffic on the Periférico, a major ring road in Mexico City. The lyrics use rich, evocative imagery to draw parallels between the urban environment and a Middle Eastern desert, creating a sense of surrealism and discomfort that many city dwellers can relate to.

The song opens with a description of the intense heat that transforms the Periférico into a scene reminiscent of an oriental landscape. The long line of cars waiting to move forward is likened to a caravan, evoking images of Ali Baba's city. This metaphor not only highlights the oppressive heat but also the sense of endless waiting and the slow, arduous progress through the traffic.

As the song progresses, Delgadillo introduces various characters that add to the vividness of the scene: a woman grooming herself in the car ahead, an old man with a camel-like expression, and a favorite radio announcer commenting on the heat. These details bring the listener into the moment, making the experience more relatable and tangible. The heat and exhaust fumes create a hallucinatory effect, turning streetlights into palm trees and roads into sand dunes, further emphasizing the surreal and oppressive nature of the situation.

The song also touches on the commercial aspect of the city, comparing street vendors to Middle Eastern merchants selling exotic goods. This comparison underscores the chaotic and vibrant nature of urban life, where commerce and survival are intertwined. The repeated refrain of "¡Ay! hermano, hermano que calor" serves as a lament for the unbearable heat and the frustration of being trapped in such conditions, making the song a poignant commentary on the daily struggles of city life.