Ciudad desierta
Alex Ubago
Loneliness in a Deserted City: A Heart's Lament
In 'Ciudad desierta,' Alex Ubago paints a poignant picture of loneliness and heartbreak. The song opens with a vivid description of a cold, rainy night, setting the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows. The deserted city becomes a metaphor for the singer's desolate heart, abandoned and empty without the presence of a loved one. The imagery of an empty city and a cold room underscores the depth of his solitude and longing.
Ubago's lyrics delve into the pain of separation and the struggle to move on. The line 'Quisiera escapar de esta prisión, montar al tren del olvido' (I want to escape this prison, board the train of forgetfulness) highlights his desire to break free from the emotional chains of his past relationship. The recurring theme of rain in the song symbolizes tears and sorrow, reflecting the inner storm he experiences as he watches his loved one leave.
The song also touches on the passage of time and its role in healing wounds. 'Los años curan algunas heridas, los meses podrán sus huellas' (The years heal some wounds, the months leave their marks) suggests that while time may ease some pain, the scars of lost love remain. Despite the bleakness, there is a glimmer of hope as he continues to 'tocar madera' (knock on wood), a gesture of seeking good fortune and resilience. The repeated refrain of 'sufro mirándote marchar' (I suffer watching you leave) encapsulates the heartache and helplessness of witnessing a loved one walk away, leaving behind a deserted city and a broken heart.