Hoy No Quiero Estar Lejos de La Casa Y El Arbol
Silvio Rodriguez
A Nostalgic Ode to Home and Nature
Silvio Rodriguez's song 'Hoy No Quiero Estar Lejos de La Casa Y El Arbol' is a poignant reflection on the longing for home and the natural world. The lyrics express a deep yearning to be close to familiar places and elements, such as the house and the tree, which symbolize comfort, roots, and a sense of belonging. Rodriguez's poetic language paints vivid images of his submerged city, filled with corals, sponges, and marine life, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to his origins.
The song delves into the futility of trying to change or control the natural world. Lines like 'Cómo voy a cambiarle el color a una ola' (How am I going to change the color of a wave) and 'Qué le voy a enseñar a la suma del viento' (What am I going to teach the sum of the wind) highlight the insignificance of human efforts against the vastness and beauty of nature. This theme is further emphasized by the repeated desire to sing 'más allá' (beyond), suggesting a longing to transcend the physical and reach a deeper, more spiritual connection through his music.
Rodriguez's lyrics also touch on the idea of memory and the passage of time. The 'rizo del suelo' (curl of the ground) represents dreams and memories, each one a fragment of the past that shapes the present. The song's refrain, 'Hoy no quiero estar lejos de la casa y el árbol,' reinforces the desire to remain close to these memories and the natural world, finding solace and inspiration in their presence. Through his evocative imagery and heartfelt words, Rodriguez captures the universal human experience of longing for home and the enduring power of nature.