Era en Abril

Silvio Rodriguez's song 'Era en Abril' is a poignant and deeply emotional ballad that delves into the profound grief of losing a child. The lyrics are a raw and honest expression of sorrow, capturing the heartache and despair that come with such a devastating loss. Rodriguez's voice, often known for its poetic and reflective quality, adds an extra layer of depth to the song, making it a powerful tribute to the fragility of life and the pain of unfulfilled dreams.

The song begins with the narrator addressing a brother, sharing the immense sadness that has taken over his life. The imagery of 'trinos y sangre' (trills and blood) in his voice symbolizes the mixture of beauty and pain that now defines his existence. The repeated mention of 'mi niño' (my child) emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the loss, making it clear that this is not just any child, but a deeply cherished one. The dream of a future filled with joy and love is shattered, leaving the narrator to grapple with the emptiness and sorrow.

Rodriguez uses vivid and tender imagery to describe the life that could have been. The 'blanca cancion' (white song) and the dream of a child running with cheeks full of sun and sweetness paint a picture of innocence and hope. However, the harsh reality is that the child could not take hold of life, described as 'enorme y azul' (enormous and blue), due to his smallness. The song's refrain, 'Era en abril,' situates the loss in a specific time, adding to the sense of a life cut short before it could truly begin.

The final verses of the song express a sense of hopelessness and resignation. The narrator's plea to his brother not to seek a better path, as his soul is already mute from asking God, highlights the depth of his despair. The imagery of 'pechos llenos de leche y dolor' (breasts full of milk and pain) underscores the physical and emotional toll of the loss on both parents. The contemplation of whether it would be better for all three to leave together rather than remain as two speaks to the overwhelming grief and the struggle to find a way forward after such a profound loss.