El Viejo Matias

Luciano Pereyra's song "El Viejo Matías" paints a poignant picture of an old man named Matías, who lives a life of solitude and melancholy. The lyrics describe Matías as a wandering ghost, a figure of sadness who finds shelter in the dilapidated station of Paso del Rey during storms. The imagery of rain and wind as brothers running furiously sets a somber tone, reflecting the harshness of Matías's existence. His gray uniform symbolizes his faded presence, blending into the background of a world that has forgotten him.

Matías is depicted as a spectral figure, feared by children and adults alike, yet his true story remains unseen. His eyes, weary from a lifetime of hardship, and the trembling cross of oblivion at his feet suggest a man burdened by memories and neglect. The song hints at a past marked by war, as Matías murmurs incoherent things and imitates the sound of cannons. This alludes to the psychological scars he carries, possibly from a traumatic past that has left him disconnected from reality.

Despite his isolation, Matías finds fleeting moments of joy when the trains arrive, bringing workers to the station. His eyes light up, and he attempts to connect with the passengers, only to be left alone once more as the trains depart. The recurring image of Matías staring at the empty tracks and the fading light symbolizes his endless wait for something or someone that never comes. The song captures the essence of loneliness, the passage of time, and the forgotten lives of those who exist on the fringes of society.