La Canción de Los (buenos) Borrachos

Fito Páez's song "La Canción de Los (buenos) Borrachos" is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the bittersweet moments of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night filled with alcohol, music, and memories. The imagery of "four drops of tar in the voice" and "seven notes soaked in alcohol" sets the tone for a melancholic reflection on past experiences and lost loves. The song's references to various musical styles, such as tango, fandango, and big band jazz, create a rich tapestry of cultural influences that underscore the universality of these emotions.

The song delves into the theme of regret, particularly in the lines about the "obscene kiss of truth" and the "ballad of the unfaithful wife." These lyrics suggest a deep sense of remorse and the painful realization of past mistakes. The mention of the "first to take you to dance a waltz" and the "song that we bad husbands sing when, in oblivion, we think of you" highlights the personal and intimate nature of these regrets. The recurring motif of returning home at dawn, drunk and reflective, serves as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of facing one's past.

The song also touches on themes of loneliness and the passage of time. The "anniversary of loneliness" and the "litany of farewells" evoke a sense of enduring solitude and the transient nature of human connections. The lyrics about the "miracle of the alphabet" and the "turtle that breaks to fly" add a layer of poetic surrealism, suggesting moments of unexpected beauty and transformation amidst the melancholy. Ultimately, "La Canción de Los (buenos) Borrachos" is a deeply emotional and introspective piece that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time.