Viejo Cuento
La Oreja de Van Gogh
The Timeless Tale of Love and Loss in 'Viejo Cuento'
La Oreja de Van Gogh's song 'Viejo Cuento' (Old Tale) is a poetic exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics begin with a serene image of the sea rocking the world to sleep, setting a tranquil yet melancholic tone. This opening scene introduces the idea of a timeless story, one that encompasses the full spectrum of human emotions—laughter, love, and tears. The 'old tale' found on a bench symbolizes a shared human experience, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
As the song progresses, it delves into the cold, silent years that have passed, marked by fleeting greetings and a sense of believing in something rare and unspoken. This period of silence and waiting is poignantly captured in the line 'Que aún hoy descansa mudo' (That still today rests mute). The imagery of the sun drawing a silhouette that brings a 'vacío de sombras' (void of shadows) suggests moments of revelation and self-discovery, where light and darkness coexist, revealing hidden truths and emotions.
The narrative takes a nostalgic turn with the mention of a dream that leaves the port at 11 PM, never to return. This dream, personified with a cap it waves goodbye, represents lost opportunities and unfulfilled desires. Yet, amidst this old story, there is a blank page that speaks of the listener, evoking deep emotions and tears. The song concludes with a sense of renewal and hope, as the return of flowers signifies a new beginning, and the singer's calm is no longer solitary. 'Viejo Cuento' beautifully captures the cyclical nature of life, where endings give way to new beginnings, and every story, no matter how old, has the potential for a fresh chapter.