Tan Joven y Tan Viejo

Joaquín Sabina's 'Tan Joven y Tan Viejo' is a reflective song that delves into the themes of life experiences, the passage of time, and the dichotomy of youth and age. The Spanish singer-songwriter, known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, often explores complex emotions and societal observations in his music, and this song is no exception.

The lyrics begin with a desire to escape, a common feeling in youth when one seeks to break free from constraints and explore the unknown. Sabina talks about giving everything he had, which was 'nothing,' to life itself, personified as a woman who offered him the keys to the 'forbidden city.' This metaphor suggests a surrender to life's temptations and the pursuit of experiences that are often off-limits or frowned upon. The mention of 'Rita Hayworth' and 'streets of New York' evokes a sense of glamour and the allure of the big city, which contrasts with the reality of his actions, such as cheating at poker and disappointing friends.

The chorus reflects on the lessons learned from life, with the moon symbolizing the ebb and flow of memory and the skirts of some women representing the sins he sought out. The song concludes with a resignation to the inevitability of aging, yet there's a refusal to say goodbye to his youth. The final line, 'Tan joven y tan viejo, like a Rolling Stone,' directly references Bob Dylan's famous song, drawing a parallel between the feeling of being lost and the wisdom gained from a life fully lived. Sabina's song is a poignant meditation on the journey of self-discovery and the bittersweet nature of growing older while still feeling young at heart.