A Usted

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'A Usted' is a poignant reflection on the relentless pursuit of success and the sacrifices that come with it. The lyrics address an individual who embodies the archetype of a successful executive—aggressive, energetic, and politically ambitious. This person lives a life that seems to be the epitome of modern success, with a practical mindset, a central apartment, and a preoccupation with maintaining their status. Serrat's use of imagery, such as 'watering plastic flowers,' suggests a life filled with artificiality and a lack of genuine experience or connection to nature.

The song poses a series of rhetorical questions that challenge the listener to consider the cost of their success. It asks whether the individual would be willing to give up their work, possessions, and power over others for the sake of freedom and the ability to fully indulge in their passions. The questions are an invitation to contemplate the value of personal liberty and time, which are often compromised in the pursuit of material wealth and social standing. The mention of a tombstone towards the end of the song serves as a stark reminder of mortality and the inevitable end that awaits everyone, regardless of their achievements or possessions.

Through 'A Usted,' Serrat critiques the societal pressures to succeed at the expense of personal happiness and freedom. The song encourages listeners to reevaluate their priorities and consider the possibility of a life less bound by the expectations of others. It's a call to embrace the simple joys of life and to resist the temptation to measure one's worth by professional and financial milestones. The song remains relevant as it speaks to universal themes of existential reflection and the search for a more meaningful existence.