Volver A Los 17 (part. Milton Nascimento)

Mercedes Sosa's song "Volver A Los 17," featuring Milton Nascimento, is a poetic exploration of the transformative power of love and the nostalgic yearning to return to the innocence and intensity of youth. The lyrics open with the idea of returning to the age of seventeen after living a century, a metaphor for rediscovering the emotional depth and vulnerability that often fades with age. This return is described as deciphering signs without being a wise expert, highlighting the complexity and mystery of youthful emotions.

The recurring imagery of ivy and moss growing on stone walls symbolizes the gradual and persistent nature of love and memory. Just as ivy and moss slowly cover and transform their surfaces, love and memories enwrap and shape our lives. The song suggests that love has a unique ability to penetrate even the hardest barriers, much like how ivy and moss find their way into the smallest cracks. This imagery reinforces the idea that love is a powerful, natural force that can rejuvenate and transform us.

Sosa's lyrics also emphasize the limitations of knowledge and rational thought compared to the profound impact of emotions and love. She suggests that love can change everything in an instant, acting like a benevolent magician who gently removes us from anger and violence. The song portrays love as a force that can make the old feel young again and turn the wicked pure and sincere. The final verses describe love entering like a warm morning, bringing beauty and renewal, and transforming the singer's years back to seventeen. This vivid imagery underscores the song's central theme: the redemptive and rejuvenating power of love.