Adiós juventud
Jaime Roos Lyrics

In Jaime Roos's song "Adiós Juventud," the singer acknowledges the passing of time and bids farewell to his youth, as well as to some cherished memories of a particular geographical and cultural context. "No puedo esconder las canas" (I cannot hide my gray hairs) is a frank admission of aging, and "adiós juventud las ganas de volver a salir" (goodbye youth, the eagerness to go out again) conveys a sense of nostalgia and resignation. The mention of "marcha camión" (a popular way of traveling to and from the countryside during Carnaval season) and "grapa y limón" (a typical Uruguayan drink made of homemade grappa and lemon soda) situates the song within a Montevidean tradition of lively street parties and folkloric music. The singer also express gratitude for the good times he had ("adiós corazón, adiós carnaval") but acknowledges that a part of him stays behind ("me queda un verso por decir antes de partir," I have a verse to say before leaving).

The song takes a bittersweet turn when the singer mentions the Barrio Sur area of Montevideo, which used to be a vibrant hub of Afro-Uruguayan culture but became increasingly gentrified and exclusive. "Adiós Barrio Sur la mano de unos cuantos fue cruel" (goodbye Barrio Sur, the hand of a few was cruel) refers to the displacement of black and poor communities as well as to the appropriation of their cultural heritage by the upper classes. The singer acknowledges that not everyone could identify with the "borocotó," a rhythmic style born in Barrio Sur, and that some people welcome the construction of a new cemetery in the area ("les parece bien"). The references to the Cuareim street and the talud (a steep incline) suggest a personal connection to the neighborhood and a sense of loss.

As the song progresses, the singer reflects on his present state of being, which is different from what once was. He feels like a "Pierrot" (a melancholic clown), left with memories of a costume and a role that no longer suit him ("que triste quedó con el recuerdo de un disfraz que no sirve más"). He bids farewell to the Marabú nightclub, another emblematic place of Montevideo nightlife, and reaffirms his promise to return and sing once more about "el rigor" (the strict rules of Carnaval) and the "cuple" (a humorous and satirical song). The final line, "parece mentira las cosas que veo por las calles de Montevideo" (the things I see on the streets of Montevideo seem unbelievable), suggests a feeling of disillusionment and estrangement from a changing cityscape.