Nostalgia: Stop Us in Our Tracks

By Sandi Roy

San Miguel de Allende, with its cobblestone streets and colonial charm, has long been a haven for artists and musicians. In this vibrant town, talented musicians fill the air with melodies that echo through the narrow alleyways and open plazas. Yet, despite their remarkable talent, a common refrain among residents and visitors alike is that these musicians play the same old songs over and over. This observation recently led me to reflect on a deeper appreciation for these musicians and the nostalgia their music often evokes.

Listening to a comedy special one evening, I found myself thinking that comedians, like musicians, face the constant challenge of creating new material to keep their audiences engaged. This struggle for freshness and originality got me thinking about the lives of the musicians in our town. Unlike comedians, musicians often rely on a repertoire of familiar songs that resonate deeply with their audience.

While this might seem repetitive, it is also a testament to their dedication and the role they play in our collective memory. Musicians in San Miguel de Allende work tirelessly to perfect their craft. They practice for hours, honing their skills to provide the best possible experience for their listeners. Their ability to play "the same old songs" with passion and precision speaks to their professionalism and love for music. It's important to recognize that for many musicians, this is not just a passion but a livelihood. The familiarity of their music ensures that they can connect with their audience, providing comfort and joy through songs that have stood the test of time.

Nostalgia is a powerful force. Recently, my husband casually asked Alexa to "play songs from the 80s." Almost immediately, I found myself laughing and saying, "never play songs from the 80s" (seriously!). But this light-hearted exchange brought back a flood of memories.

As those familiar tunes filled our home, I couldn't help but sing along, often without even realizing I knew the words. It's amazing how music can transport us back to different times in our lives, evoking feelings and memories we thought long forgotten.The same phenomenon happens when we rewatch old movies. There's a comfort in the familiar, a sense of connection to our past. This is precisely what musicians tap into when they play those beloved classics.

The songs we know by heart, the ones that make us want to get up and dance, like "Old Time Rock and Roll," have a special place in our hearts. They bring us together, creating moments of shared joy and communal nostalgia.

Instead of viewing the repetition of these songs as a lack of creativity, perhaps we should embrace it as a testament to their lasting impact. These melodies are woven into the fabric of our lives, and the musicians who play them are the keepers of these memories. By playing the "same old songs," they provide a soundtrack to our collective experiences, making each performance a celebration of the past and a bridge to the present.

In San Miguel de Allende, where the echoes of guitars and harmonicas blend seamlessly with the town's historic charm, let's take a moment to appreciate the musicians who keep these memories alive. Their talent and dedication deserve our recognition and support. After all, it's not just about the songs they play but the emotions they evoke and the connections they create. Whether we're dancing in the plaza or reminiscing about days gone by, these musicians remind us that music, old or new, is a vital part of our lives.  And let’s admit, hearing "Besame Mucho", will stop each of us in our tracks no matter how many times we hear it.