Me Quieren

Silvio Rodriguez's song 'Me Quieren' is a powerful and defiant declaration against those who wish to see him buried, both literally and metaphorically. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors, portraying various forces and individuals who have tried to suppress or eliminate him. The 'asesinos' (murderers), 'comidas con sal' (salty foods), and 'espejos' (mirrors) symbolize the different ways society and individuals attempt to undermine or destroy his spirit and existence. Rodriguez's use of 'viejos' (old ones) and 'brioso nuevo pino' (vigorous new pine) suggests that both the old guard and the new generation have tried to bury him, indicating a continuous struggle against oppression and marginalization.

In the second stanza, Rodriguez addresses the futility of these attempts. He speaks of 'fúnebres cortejos' (funeral processions) and how it seems to be his destiny to be the object of such morbid attention. However, he dismisses these efforts with a sense of resilience and experience, having dealt with 'enterradores' (gravediggers) for a thousand years. This metaphorical language underscores his enduring spirit and the knowledge he has gained from facing such adversities repeatedly. The line 'sólo precisa un poco de paciencia' (only needs a little patience) is a sardonic nod to the persistence of his adversaries, suggesting that their efforts will ultimately be in vain.

The second part of the song continues this theme of defiance. Rodriguez mocks the 'homenajes' (tributes) and 'melindrosas señoritas' (finicky young ladies) who wish to see him gone. He questions why anyone would need to 'ponerme velas, mandarme de viaje' (light candles for me, send me on a journey), implying that such gestures are more suited to those who have lost hope or are exhausted. The vivid imagery of 'tiñosas, lagartijas, esperpentos' (mangy creatures, lizards, monstrosities) and 'aburridos batracios y loqueros' (bored frogs and madmen) paints a picture of the various detractors and naysayers he faces. Yet, he asserts that 'aún corre la sangre en mi instrumento' (blood still runs in my instrument), a powerful metaphor for his undying creativity and vitality. The final line, 'enterrarme le va a roncar el cuero' (burying me will be tough), is a bold proclamation of his unyielding spirit and determination to resist being silenced or forgotten.