Cuando Acabas Tú

Alejandro Sanz's song 'Cuando Acabas Tú' delves into the profound emotional and existential impact of music and its absence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's struggle with injustice and the overwhelming silence that follows the end of a musical journey. Sanz begins by describing how injustice has bitten him, highlighting a sense of inequality and the sacrifices he has made for his art. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the personal cost of his silence, which he equates to drying up the music of the sea—a powerful metaphor for losing something vast and essential.

The song continues to explore the theme of theft, both literal and metaphorical. Sanz speaks of being robbed by the 'son of the one who knows more,' suggesting a betrayal or exploitation by someone more powerful or knowledgeable. This could be interpreted as a critique of the music industry or societal structures that take advantage of artists. Despite this, Sanz emphasizes that his cause doesn't need motives, indicating a pure, intrinsic drive to create music. The chorus poignantly asks what remains after the music ends, underscoring the emptiness and void left behind.

In the latter part of the song, Sanz rejects falsehood and pretense, declaring that he goes naked in his truth when he sings. This raw honesty is a stark contrast to the 'tailors of falsehood' who try to dress him in lies. The repetition of the cost of silence and the theft of his music reinforces the central theme of loss and the struggle to maintain artistic integrity. Ultimately, 'Cuando Acabas Tú' is a heartfelt reflection on the sacrifices artists make and the enduring power of music, even in the face of silence and injustice.