Y Mariana

Silvio Rodriguez's song 'Y Mariana' delves into the universal human desire for transformation and the inherent dissatisfaction with one's current state. The lyrics poignantly capture the essence of this longing, illustrating how people often wish to be something or someone else. The elderly wish to be young again, while the young are eager to grow up. This theme of perpetual discontent is a reflection of the human condition, where the grass always seems greener on the other side.

Rodriguez uses vivid metaphors to explore these desires. For instance, he mentions a man wanting to be a woman and a girl wanting to be a man, highlighting the fluidity and complexity of identity. Even God, in Rodriguez's poetic vision, dreams of being a power. This suggests that the yearning for change and the pursuit of different experiences is a fundamental aspect of existence, transcending even divine beings. The refrain, 'Y Mariana quiere ser canción,' symbolizes the ultimate transformation—Mariana's desire to become a song, an eternal and ethereal form of expression.

The song also touches on deeper philosophical and existential themes. Rodriguez speaks of tolerance as the passion of inquisitors and the paradoxes of freedom and temptation. He suggests that true freedom is only visible to those who actively work for it, and that temptation often shines brightest in what is forbidden. The line 'Nacer a veces mata y ser feliz desgarra' encapsulates the bittersweet nature of life and happiness. The song ends with a rhetorical question about love's triumph, leaving listeners to ponder the complexities of human emotions and desires.