Perro viejo
Fito & Fitipaldis
The Wisdom of an Old Dog: Life Lessons from 'Perro Viejo'
Fito & Fitipaldis' song 'Perro Viejo' delves into the wisdom and resilience that come with age and experience, using the metaphor of an old dog to convey its message. The lyrics begin with a conversation between the narrator and an old, weary dog. The narrator offers the dog food and shelter in exchange for learning how to live like an 'old dog,' symbolizing a desire to understand the simplicity and depth of a life lived through many trials and tribulations.
The song continues to explore themes of loss and acceptance. The narrator reflects on a past love that was lost, likening the emotional pain to being tied by the neck. This imagery suggests a feeling of being trapped or constrained by one's emotions. The narrator admits to not knowing if he is happy and confesses that he doesn't even try to be, indicating a sense of resignation and acceptance of life's ups and downs. This mirrors the old dog's life, which is marked by survival and endurance rather than the pursuit of happiness.
In the final verses, the song touches on the idea of using alcohol to forget pain, only to realize that it leads to more confusion and sorrow. The phrase 'bebiendo para olvidar, me olvidé que estaba bebiendo' (drinking to forget, I forgot I was drinking) highlights the futility of trying to escape one's problems through temporary means. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the wisdom and resilience of living like an 'old dog,' who has learned to navigate life's challenges with a sense of acceptance and endurance.