La Cita

Rubén Blades' song 'La Cita' delves into the universal human experience of seeking love and connection, whether alone or in company. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of people navigating through life, some buying and others selling love, all in an attempt to conquer loneliness and pain. Blades suggests that the passage of time is a mere invention, and it is the people who change, not the days. This highlights the transient nature of human emotions and relationships, emphasizing that everyone is in search of the same fundamental need: love.

The song also touches on the theme of judgment and forgiveness. Blades points out the hypocrisy in human nature, where people act as unforgiving judges towards others while preaching that life is a selfish endeavor without love. This duality is exemplified in the lines about a woman arriving at six and a man arriving at two, both driven by the same intentions but judged differently by society. This reflects the societal double standards and the underlying sameness in human desires and actions.

Furthermore, 'La Cita' explores the concept of existential guilt and the inevitability of judgment. Blades suggests that no one leaves this world; we merely change positions. There is no alibi to justify our innocence in the Final Judgment, as humanity is already condemned for having invented the means to condemn others. This profound reflection on human nature and morality calls for an awakening to the truth, as encapsulated in the closing line, 'Despiértenme a la hora de la verdad' (Wake me up at the hour of truth). Blades' poignant lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and the universal quest for love and redemption.