11 y 6

Fito Páez's '11 y 6' is a poignant narrative that captures a fleeting yet profound encounter between two souls. The song begins with a chance meeting in a café, where the weariness of life is momentarily lifted by a shared connection. The woman's possession of a carnation suggests a sense of hope or a remnant of celebration, while the man's approach and subsequent invitation to walk along Corrientes Avenue in Buenos Aires indicates a spontaneous and romantic gesture. This avenue, known for its cultural vibrancy, sets the stage for the beginning of their shared journey.

The chorus of the song, 'Miren todos, ellos solos / Pueden más que el amor / Y son más fuertes que el Olimpo,' speaks to the power of their bond. It suggests that their unity and resilience are stronger than love itself and even surpass the might of the Greek gods' home, Mount Olympus. This hyperbolic comparison emphasizes the strength they find in each other, which is further symbolized by their act of sealing their connection with a kiss in the privacy of a bar's bathroom—a moment of intimacy and commitment in an otherwise public space.

The latter part of the song reveals a bittersweet twist. The couple's subsequent life is only briefly sketched out; they are seen selling roses in La Paz, which could be a metaphor for trying to make ends meet or maintain the beauty of their relationship amidst life's hardships. The narrator admits to never seeing them again, and the numbers '11' and '6' remain a cryptic reference, possibly alluding to personal significance or an enigmatic part of their story. The mention of the man being able to give the moon if she laughed illustrates the depth of his affection and the magical realism often found in Páez's work. The song, with its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, is a testament to the fleeting moments that can define our lives and the enduring mystery of the connections we make.