Después que canta el hombre

Silvio Rodriguez's song "Después que canta el hombre" delves into the profound solitude that follows the act of artistic expression. The lyrics poignantly describe the singer's isolation after performing, emphasizing the loneliness that envelops him once the music stops. This solitude is not just physical but also mental, as the artist is left alone with his thoughts and the empty seats of the audience. The imagery of a "mortaja de aire" (shroud of air) creating silence underscores the finality and emptiness that follows the performance, suggesting a sense of loss or even death of the moment.

The song also touches on the relationship between the artist and his instrument. The line "Se mira entonces la guitarra y se le guiña un ojo" (He looks at the guitar and winks at it) personifies the guitar, hinting at a deep, almost conspiratorial bond between the musician and his tool. This relationship is one of mutual understanding and shared abandonment, as both the artist and the guitar are left alone after the performance. The guitars, like the singer, are well-acquainted with abandonment, suggesting that the act of creation is inherently tied to solitude.

Despite the recurring theme of loneliness, the song also speaks to the resilience of the artist. The singer continues to organize his concerts, likened to an "ángel postizo" (artificial angel) who insists on persisting. This metaphor suggests a sense of duty or compulsion to continue creating, despite the inevitable solitude that follows. The repetition of the line "Sabe que ahora, de pronto, se hace luego, aunque después que cante quede ciego" (He knows that now, suddenly, becomes later, even though after singing he remains blind) reinforces the cyclical nature of this experience, highlighting the artist's acceptance of this reality and his determination to keep moving forward.