El Afilador

Los Suaves' song 'El Afilador' paints a vivid picture of a solitary, aging knife sharpener returning home as the sun sets. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection, as the protagonist closes his eyes to see better, symbolizing a deeper search for meaning and clarity in his twilight years. The imagery of the rain departing and stars awakening suggests a transition from turmoil to a quieter, reflective state, yet the path to the heavens seems clearer than the one on earth, hinting at a longing for peace beyond this life.

The knife sharpener walks alone, burdened by thoughts and the weight of his years. His life has been a series of wanderings, and now, feeling his end near, he seeks rest, leaving his wheel behind. This act of leaving the wheel, a symbol of his trade and life's work, signifies a final surrender to the inevitable. The recurring theme of night, fog, and the 'secret hour' underscores the mystery and solitude of his existence. The knife sharpener is portrayed as a 'solitary dreamer' and a 'solitary loser,' emphasizing his isolation and unfulfilled dreams.

The song also delves into the knife sharpener's past, revealing a deeper sorrow. He cries not just for his own pains but for something more profound. The absence of lights in windows and a welcome at the door highlights his loneliness and the lack of a place to call home. The lyrics mention a well of memories filled with a woman's lies, suggesting a betrayal that deeply scarred him. This betrayal, and the knowledge of it, brought him immense sorrow, symbolizing the emotional wounds that have haunted him. 'El Afilador' is a poignant exploration of solitude, regret, and the search for peace in the face of life's betrayals and disappointments.