Soy Lo Que Soy
Alberto Cortez
The Essence of Unfulfilled Love in 'Soy Lo Que Soy'
Alberto Cortez's song 'Soy Lo Que Soy' delves into the depths of unfulfilled love and the yearning for a connection that remains just out of reach. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery, painting a picture of a love that could have been but never fully materialized. Cortez expresses a longing to be everything for the beloved—her shadow, her echo, her silence, and even the space she traverses. This desire to be an integral part of the beloved's life underscores a deep sense of devotion and unrequited love.
The recurring phrase 'Hubiera sido' (I would have been) highlights the conditional nature of the singer's feelings, emphasizing what he could have been for the beloved if circumstances were different. This repetition creates a poignant sense of what might have been, contrasting sharply with the reality of what is. The singer acknowledges his limitations, admitting that he is no more than a 'soplo de tu brisa' (a breath of your breeze) and a 'luna en el mar' (moon in the sea) trying to capture the 'espuma de tu risa' (foam of your laughter). These metaphors convey the ephemeral and unattainable nature of his desires.
Cortez's use of celestial and natural imagery, such as the moon, sea, and stars, adds a layer of universality to the song, making the emotions expressed relatable to anyone who has experienced unfulfilled love. The song's melancholic tone is further emphasized by the references to being a 'mendigo de luz' (beggar of light) and walking a 'camino de bruma' (path of mist), suggesting a life spent in search of something elusive and intangible. 'Soy Lo Que Soy' is a heartfelt exploration of love's potential and the pain of its absence, beautifully encapsulated in Cortez's poetic lyrics.