Cuando Ya Me Empiece a Quedar Solo

Mercedes Sosa's song "Cuando Ya Me Empiece a Quedar Solo" delves into the profound and often melancholic experience of aging and solitude. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is gradually becoming more isolated, both physically and emotionally. The imagery of having "los ojos muy lejos" (eyes very far away) and a "cigarrillo en la boca" (cigarette in the mouth) suggests a sense of detachment and resignation. The mention of a "gata medio loca" (half-crazy cat) adds a touch of eccentricity and perhaps a hint of companionship in an otherwise lonely existence.

The song continues to explore the theme of emptiness with references to an "escenario vacío" (empty stage) and a "libro muerto de pena" (book dead with sorrow). These metaphors highlight the loss of purpose and the fading of once-vibrant passions. The "televisor inútil" (useless TV) and "eléctrica compañía" (electric company) symbolize the superficial and inadequate attempts to fill the void left by meaningful human connections. The "prisión que no es mía" (prison that is not mine) could represent the feeling of being trapped in a life that no longer feels like one's own.

As the song progresses, it touches on the inevitability of aging with lines like "una vejez sin temores" (an old age without fears) and "una vida reposada" (a calm life). However, this tranquility is juxtaposed with the agitation of "ventanas muy agitadas" (very agitated windows) and the stillness of "una cama tan inmóvil" (a bed so immobile). The accumulation of "diarios apilados" (piled-up newspapers) and the presence of a "flor cuidando mi pasado" (flower taking care of my past) signify the passage of time and the preservation of memories. The song culminates with the haunting presence of "el fantasma tuyo" (your ghost), emphasizing the enduring impact of lost relationships and the profound sense of loneliness that accompanies the protagonist as they begin to remain alone.