Vida

Rubén Blades' song 'Vida' delves into the philosophical and existential questions surrounding human existence and the choices we make. The lyrics begin by highlighting the randomness of our beginnings - no one chooses their family, race, or initial circumstances. This sets the stage for a reflection on how much of life is determined by chance and how much by personal choice. Blades uses vivid imagery and metaphors, such as life being a card game started by someone else, to suggest that while we inherit certain conditions, the way we play the hand we're dealt is up to us.

The song progresses to explore the journey between birth and death, emphasizing that every step leaves a mark and every mark tells a story. This narrative builds on the idea that our lives are collections of the paths we choose, and these paths are punctuated by memories, friendships, and moral decisions. Blades poetically notes that 'each friend is the family we choose among strangers,' encapsulating the significance of relationships formed by choice rather than circumstance.

Towards the end, 'Vida' shifts to a more hopeful tone, urging for a world where love never ends. This plea for a better future underscores the song's overarching message about the power of human agency. Despite the uncontrollable aspects of our beginnings, Blades suggests that our responses to life's challenges and the love we share are what truly define us. The song is a call to embrace life's uncertainties while striving to make meaningful choices.