Quien Tiene Viejo El Corazón

Silvio Rodriguez's song "Quien Tiene Viejo El Corazón" delves into the profound themes of solitude, lost love, and the passage of time. The title, which translates to "Who Has an Old Heart," sets the tone for a reflective and melancholic exploration of a heart burdened by past experiences and unfulfilled desires. The song opens with the imagery of someone retreating to their room, carrying with them the weight of what never was and what will never be—an unrequited or lost love. This act of retreat symbolizes a withdrawal from the world, a common response to deep emotional pain.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the night as a companion to the protagonist's sorrow. The light from their window shines through the night, a beacon of their wakefulness and inner turmoil. The dawn, personified as an old acquaintance, acknowledges the protagonist's endless waiting, suggesting a sense of timelessness in their suffering. The moon, often a symbol of change and cycles, here becomes an indifferent observer, casting a cold light on the scene. The moon's presence, described as having "all its teeth," adds a haunting quality, emphasizing the harsh reality of the protagonist's emotional state.

Rodriguez's use of natural elements like the moon, the bird, and the cat, all contribute to the song's atmosphere of eerie stillness and despair. The bird's song of horror and the cat's glowing eyes create a sense of unease, while the moon's indifferent clarity underscores the protagonist's isolation. The reference to a "dead spring" suggests a time of potential and renewal that has passed without fulfillment, further deepening the sense of loss. Through these rich metaphors and poignant imagery, Rodriguez captures the essence of a heart that has grown old and weary from the weight of unfulfilled love and the relentless passage of time.