Los Buenos Tiempos

Carlos Vives' song 'Los Buenos Tiempos' is a heartfelt tribute to the past, blending nostalgia with a sense of progress. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's childhood, filled with stories and dreams that couldn't be contained within the confines of a bed. The mention of an English train that enchanted the region and a football match that ended three to two evokes a sense of wonder and excitement from simpler times. These elements symbolize the arrival of new experiences and the joy they brought to the community.

The song continues to describe the journey of the train from Santa Marta to Aracataca, passing through various towns where the singer's grandfather cultivated the land. The train's route is not just a physical journey but also a metaphorical one, representing the spread of modernity and progress. The towns come alive with festivities, and the distant sound of vallenato music adds to the nostalgic atmosphere. The train, a symbol of progress, brings with it a sense of hope and relief, especially for the singer's grandfather, who saw it as a way to ease his burdens and dream of better times.

The chorus reflects on how the arrival of the train marked the beginning of 'los buenos tiempos' or 'the good times.' The train's departure at dawn, with the entire town awake and the pitirre bird singing, signifies a new beginning. The clearing of the fog and the sentiment it evokes suggest that the train has taken away the hardships, leaving behind a sense of optimism and renewal. Through this song, Carlos Vives beautifully captures the essence of a bygone era, blending personal memories with broader themes of progress and change, making it a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the impact of modernization on rural communities.