Mi Viejo

The song "Mi Viejo" by Vicente Fernández is a poignant tribute to the artist's father, encapsulating the respect, love, and complex emotions that often characterize the relationship between a father and son. The lyrics paint a picture of an aging man, referred to affectionately as 'mi viejo' which translates to 'my old man' in English, who has experienced a long life filled with both hardships and simpler times. The song acknowledges the generational differences between the father and son, noting how the father has lived through different times, symbolized by references to the 'tranvía' (tram) and 'vino tinto' (red wine).

The chorus of the song expresses a deep connection and identification with the father, stating 'Yo soy tu sangre, mi viejo' ('I am your blood, my old man'), highlighting the bond and continuity between them. The father's slow pace and the metaphor of him 'forgiving the wind' suggest a sense of acceptance and resignation to the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The song's narrator observes his father with a mixture of admiration and melancholy, recognizing the weight of years and experiences that his father carries.

"Mi Viejo" is not just a personal reflection but also resonates with many listeners who can relate to the experience of seeing their parents age. It touches on universal themes of family, aging, and the passage of time. Vicente Fernández, known for his contributions to the ranchera genre, delivers the song with the emotional depth and warmth that is characteristic of his style, making the song a timeless piece that honors the figure of the father in a deeply moving way.