Viejo
Droow
A Son's Reflection on an Absent Father
Droow's song "Viejo" is a poignant exploration of the complex emotions surrounding an absent father. The lyrics delve into the singer's feelings of abandonment, confusion, and eventual acceptance. The term "viejo," which translates to "old man" or "father" in this context, is used to address the father who was never present in the singer's life. The song opens with the acknowledgment of the father's absence and the lack of guidance he left behind, setting the tone for a narrative filled with introspection and emotional depth.
The singer expresses a sense of understanding and lack of resentment towards his father, despite the pain caused by his absence. This is evident in lines like "Mi madre me hablo bien nunca manchó tu nombre" (My mother spoke well of you, never tarnished your name) and "Por eso no hay rencor dentro de este hombre" (That's why there's no resentment in this man). The singer's mother plays a crucial role in his upbringing, providing the love and support that the father did not. This maternal influence is a cornerstone of the singer's development into a "hombre derecho" (upright man), highlighting the strength and resilience of single-parent families.
The song also touches on the singer's internal struggle and the emotional scars left by his father's departure. The lines "Admito que lloré y me preguntaba dónde / Iría quien solo de la vida se esconde" (I admit I cried and wondered where / Would go someone who only hides from life) reveal a deep-seated pain and a quest for understanding. However, the singer ultimately finds solace in his own growth and the realization that he has become a better person despite—or perhaps because of—his father's absence. The repeated refrain of not wanting the father to return now that the singer is "haciendo viejo" (getting old) underscores a sense of closure and self-reliance.
"Viejo" is a heartfelt tribute to the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact of parental influence, or lack thereof. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness and self-discovery.