Un Tropezón
Alberto Castillo
The Heartbreak and Redemption in 'Un Tropezón' by Alberto Castillo
Alberto Castillo's song 'Un Tropezón' delves into the emotional turmoil and eventual acceptance that follows a profound betrayal. The protagonist pleads with an officer, asking to be spared the embarrassment of his current situation. He insists on his decency and explains that he has encountered a 'malvada' (wicked woman) who has caused him great distress. Despite his pain, he asserts that she is dead to him, indicating a finality in their relationship.
The chorus, 'Un tropezón cualquiera da en la vida, y el corazón aprende así a vivir,' translates to 'Anyone can stumble in life, and the heart learns to live this way.' This line encapsulates the song's central theme: life's inevitable missteps and the lessons they impart. The protagonist reflects on how he once lifted this woman from her lowly state and loved her deeply, only to be betrayed. The proverb 'la cabra al monte tira' (a goat always returns to the mountain) underscores the idea that people often revert to their true nature, despite efforts to change them.
In the final verses, the protagonist resigns himself to his fate, asking the officer to take him away to avoid further bitterness. He fears that remembering her betrayal might lead him to act irrationally. This resignation is a poignant acknowledgment of his vulnerability and the need to protect himself from further emotional harm. The song's narrative is a powerful exploration of love, betrayal, and the painful process of moving on, set against the backdrop of Castillo's emotive tango style.