A Daniel, Un Chico de La Guerra

Alberto Cortez's song 'A Daniel, Un Chico de La Guerra' is a poignant reflection on the impact of war on youth, contrasting the experiences of two individuals during a time of conflict. The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone who has not experienced war firsthand, acknowledge the profound difference between their own life and that of Daniel, a young man whose life has been irrevocably altered by war.

The song begins by describing the narrator's coming of age, filled with new opinions, intentions, and songs, symbolizing a typical youth filled with hope and potential. In stark contrast, Daniel's youth was abruptly taken from him, as he was thrust into the 'sea of horror,' with his dreams dashed and survival becoming a miracle. The narrator admits that their own struggles, involving hidden risks and forgotten loves, pale in comparison to Daniel's experience of having to fight for his life and endure the harsh realities of war.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the long-term effects of war, suggesting that with time, society will seek to forget the pain and assign blame elsewhere, possibly even to God. The song criticizes the way history often glosses over the chaos and suffering of war, and how the true cost of conflict is borne by individuals like Daniel. The repeated refrain 'Lo mío fue distinto... Daniel... lo mío no fue nada' ('Mine was different... Daniel... mine was nothing') emphasizes the disparity between the narrator's life and Daniel's, highlighting the shadow of war that lingers in Daniel's gaze—a shadow the narrator does not share.