Vida

The song 'Vida' by Lluís Llach is a poignant reflection on life, aging, and the inevitability of change. Llach, a renowned Catalan singer-songwriter known for his powerful lyrics and involvement in political causes, often infuses his music with deep emotional resonance and social commentary. In 'Vida,' he contemplates the passage of time and the acceptance of life's natural progression.

The lyrics open with the possibility of losing words, loved ones, or being at the mercy of a wave, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges one might face. The repetition of 'a mercè d'alguna onada' (at the mercy of some wave) emphasizes the vulnerability and uncertainty inherent in the human experience. Despite this, Llach expresses a desire to seize life, to 'steal' from it and fill his 'baggage' with experiences and memories, suggesting a determination to live fully while he can.

As the song progresses, Llach reflects on his childhood, the wisdom of age, and the eventual confrontation with death. He speaks of maintaining a childlike wonder despite growing older, and of embracing the songs of new birds in his landscape, which could be interpreted as finding joy in new experiences and perspectives. The acceptance of death is addressed with a sense of peace, as he asserts that he will never be able to love death, but acknowledges its inevitability. The final lines reiterate the theme of life's continuity, with Llach wanting his legacy, whether it be worms, ashes, or a chord from his journey, to sing of life. The song is a celebration of life's vitality and an acceptance of its transient nature.