Te Conozco by Silvio Rodriguez

Cristina and I at the Camden Aquarium in NJ.

​“Te Conozco” (I know you) is one of the songs that never fails to awake deep feelings in my heart when I listen to it. I discovered Silvio Rodriguez early during the time I was learning how to play the guitar. I immediately fell in love with his use of harmony and his masterful combination between amazing music and deep meaningful poetry. Of course I spent a lot of time learning his most famous hits such as “Ojala” or “La Maza”. However, the song that always hit me the most was “Te Conozco”. It speaks about that one person who has always been meant to complete you spiritually and romantically. I remember always thinking about its lyrics and being marveled at the thought of someone being pre-destined for you. This song describes the love of your life, someone whom you know from your infancy, someone who even though you might still not know them, they are there, growing in mind and body close or afar. They are developing experiences, and shaping their personalities and lives for the moment when you finally meet each other. Even though this was already one of my favorite songs, it took a whole new level the summer of 2016. I had been dating Cristina for only 4 months, and she was back in Europe to spend the summer with her family. I was missing her so dearly, and I was listening to music in my room. The moment this song played, I immediately realized that this song had always been about her and about how since always, Cristina was meant to be the one for me. It was specifically during the part of the song that says: “Por eso cuando te vi, reconoci mi destino” – That’s why when I saw you, I recognized my destiny. I started tearing up and since there was a big time difference, I couldn't call her because she was already sleeping. Instead, I wrote down the lyrics, I translated them, and I sent them to her as a message. Of course, I also sent her the song. I still can see myself tearing at the computer while listening to this song and writing that message.
 
“El lago parece mar; el viento sirve de abrigo,
Todo se vuelve a inventar, si lo comparto contigo…”
“The lake resembles the sea; the wind becomes warm shelter.
Everything is reinvented, only if I share it with you…” 

Carlos Bedoya, 09/06/23

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