Viejo verde
Gilda
The Satirical Tale of an Aging Playboy
The song "Viejo verde" by Gilda, an Argentine singer known for her cumbia music, presents a satirical take on the figure of an older man who refuses to act his age and continues to pursue a lifestyle typically associated with younger men. The term 'viejo verde' is a Spanish slang expression that roughly translates to 'dirty old man' and is used to describe an older man who is perceived as being sexually perverted or overly interested in younger women.
The lyrics paint a picture of a man who dyes his hair, drinks rum, and believes himself to still be youthful ('te crees muchacho'). He is described as being generous ('regalon') and wealthy ('platudo'), traits that apparently make him lucky with beautiful women. The song's chorus humorously questions whether this man's heart can still handle the excitement ('se le para el corazon al viejito'), playing on the double entendre of 'se le para' which can also imply sexual arousal.
Gilda's portrayal of this character is both critical and comical, highlighting the absurdity of trying to maintain a facade of youthfulness while aging. The song's catchy rhythm and playful lyrics invite listeners to reflect on societal attitudes towards aging and the pressure to remain forever young. It also touches on themes of vanity, the pursuit of pleasure, and the inevitable passage of time.