Morir de viejo

Los Tres, a renowned Chilean rock band, delve into profound existential themes in their song 'Morir de viejo.' The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a person grappling with their place in the world and their internal conflicts. The opening lines, 'Mis ojos vienen del Aire / Mis manos tiñen el Mar,' suggest a connection to the natural elements, indicating a sense of belonging to the earth and its vastness. This connection is further emphasized with references to long legs and a neck like a glacier, symbolizing strength and endurance.

The recurring theme of fire and water throughout the song represents the duality of human experience. 'Me quema el Agua / Me alivia el Fuego' speaks to the paradoxical nature of life, where what should soothe instead burns, and what should burn instead soothes. This duality is a metaphor for the emotional turmoil the narrator experiences, particularly in love. The line 'Otra vez tropiezo con el mismo desdén / Del Amor tranquilo cuando ya no existe el Bien' reflects a recurring disappointment in love, a cycle of pain and longing for something unattainable.

The song also touches on the desire for transformation and escape. The narrator wishes to become a 'zorzal' (a type of bird) to avoid becoming 'maleza' (weeds), symbolizing a yearning for freedom and purity over stagnation and decay. The final plea to reach the 'orillas eternas colmadas de Verdad' (eternal shores filled with truth) and the desire to 'Morir de viejo' (die of old age) encapsulate a longing for a meaningful existence and a peaceful end. Through its poetic and evocative lyrics, 'Morir de viejo' explores the complexities of human emotions, the struggle for self-understanding, and the quest for eternal truths.