Las Edades
Juana Molina
The Timelessness of Age in Juana Molina's 'Las Edades'
Juana Molina's song 'Las Edades' delves into the concept of age and its fluidity, challenging the conventional way society perceives and counts the passage of time. The lyrics question the importance of counting ages, suggesting that while people grow and change, the ages themselves remain static. This idea is encapsulated in the line '¿Quién las edades cuenta?' which translates to 'Who counts the ages?' This rhetorical question sets the tone for the entire song, inviting listeners to reflect on the arbitrary nature of age as a measure of life experience.
Molina's lyrics emphasize that all ages coexist within a person, regardless of the number assigned to them. She sings, '15, 20 o 36 están en mí todas las edades,' meaning '15, 20, or 36, all ages are within me.' This line beautifully illustrates the idea that our experiences and memories from different stages of life are always a part of us, shaping who we are. The song suggests that age is not a linear progression but a collection of moments and experiences that coexist within us.
The song also touches on the societal pressure to conform to certain milestones at specific ages. By questioning '¿Quién las edades cuenta?' Molina challenges the listener to reconsider the importance placed on these societal norms. The repetition of this question throughout the song serves as a reminder that age is a personal and subjective experience, not merely a number to be counted. Through 'Las Edades,' Juana Molina invites us to embrace the timelessness of our experiences and to recognize that every age we have lived through continues to be a part of us.