Fábula de Los Tres Hermanos

Silvio Rodriguez's 'Fábula de Los Tres Hermanos' is a poignant song that uses the allegory of three brothers to explore the themes of perspective, balance, and the journey of life. The Cuban singer-songwriter, known for his poetic lyrics and involvement in the Nueva Trova movement, often infuses his music with social and philosophical commentary, and this song is no exception.

The first verse tells of the eldest brother, who is so focused on not making mistakes that he becomes enslaved by caution, ultimately limiting his vision and experiences. This character represents an extreme approach to life, where fear of failure leads to a narrow and constrained existence. The second brother, in contrast, is so fixated on the horizon that he fails to see the obstacles at his feet, leading to a life of constant stumbling. This brother symbolizes the opposite extreme, where a lack of attention to the present prevents one from making progress. The youngest brother attempts to strike a balance, keeping one eye on the path and the other on the future. However, the song concludes with a reflection that even this approach leads to a confused existence, as the brother loses clarity between being and going.

The song serves as a metaphor for the human condition and the challenges of finding the right balance between planning for the future and living in the present. It suggests that an excessive focus on either can lead to a life that is unfulfilled and lost. Rodriguez invites the listener to contemplate their own path and consider the importance of maintaining a harmonious perspective. The repeated line 'Ojo que no mira más allá/acá tampoco fue' (An eye that doesn't look beyond/here wasn't either) emphasizes the need for a comprehensive outlook on life.