La Canción de Los (Buenos) Borrachos (part. Fito Paez)

Joaquín Sabina's "La Canción de Los (Buenos) Borrachos" is a poignant reflection on life, love, and the passage of time, all seen through the lens of a late-night drinker. The song's title, which translates to 'The Song of the (Good) Drunks,' sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines the revelry of inebriation with a deeper sense of nostalgia and loss. Sabina, known for his poetic lyrics and his ability to blend humor with melancholy, uses alcohol as a metaphor for the bittersweet experiences that shape our lives.

The lyrics are rich with imagery and references to music genres, from swing to tango, suggesting a life lived in the company of diverse and vibrant sounds. These musical elements serve as a backdrop to the narrator's introspection, as he contemplates the ironies and contradictions of his existence. The mention of a 'big band' and a 'piano with two drinks too many' evoke a scene of celebration, yet this is contrasted with the 'saddest waltz in the world' and the 'anniversary of loneliness,' revealing an undercurrent of sorrow amidst the festivity.

Sabina's song is not just a tribute to those who find solace in the night but also an exploration of the human condition. The 'good drunks' are emblematic of those who carry their regrets and memories with them, seeking comfort in the familiar ritual of returning home after a night of escape. The repeated lines about 'the song that you don't want to hear' and 'the song that I didn't know how to write' suggest an unspoken truth or an unresolved emotion that haunts the narrator, making the song a vessel for the unexpressed feelings that linger in the hearts of those who have loved and lost.