El Amor Desolado

In 'El Amor Desolado,' Alberto Cortes paints a poignant picture of unrequited love and the emotional devastation that follows. The song's lyrics are a heartfelt lament of a one-sided relationship where the protagonist invests everything—effort, silence, and soul—while the other person remains indifferent and detached. The contrast between the protagonist's deep commitment and the partner's lack of reciprocation is starkly illustrated through metaphors like 'I put the effort, and she the indifference' and 'I the deep silence, and she the word.' These lines emphasize the imbalance and emotional labor that the protagonist endures.

The imagery of trying to 'retain water in my hands' and 'building a house on sand' symbolizes the futility and impermanence of the protagonist's efforts. Despite his attempts to create something lasting and meaningful, he is left empty-handed and homeless, representing the emotional void left by the unreciprocated love. The metaphor of being 'dark root' while she is 'trunk and branch' further underscores the disparity in their contributions to the relationship.

The song reaches its emotional climax when the protagonist describes a night of ultimate despair. Unable to bear the pain of her departure, he blinds himself to avoid seeing her, closes windows and doors to avoid following or calling her, and ultimately takes his own life to escape the torment. The use of 'black roses' on their bed and 'white roses' on her memory signifies mourning and purity, respectively, highlighting the depth of his sorrow and the sanctity of his love. The final lines, 'I gave everything, life, body, and soul; she, God knows, never gave anything,' encapsulate the essence of the song—a tragic tale of unrequited love and the emotional desolation it brings.