Recordándote

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song 'Recordándote' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the haunting power of memory. The lyrics are steeped in a deep sense of nostalgia and sorrow, as the narrator grapples with the enduring pain of a past relationship. The recurring motif of hearing the former lover's voice symbolizes the inescapable nature of these memories, which resurface despite the passage of time. This voice, which once brought joy, now only brings pain, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the separation.

The song also delves into the theme of self-deception, particularly through the metaphor of wine. The narrator acknowledges that the wine 'engaña' (deceives) him, suggesting that he uses it as a means to dull the pain and momentarily escape the harsh reality of his loss. However, this escape is fleeting, and the sorrow inevitably returns, underscoring the futility of trying to forget through such means. The night, described as 'amarga y lenta' (bitter and slow), further amplifies the sense of loneliness and the passage of time, which seems to drag on endlessly in the absence of the loved one.

Zitarrosa's use of the zamba, a traditional Argentine folk dance, adds another layer of cultural depth to the song. The zamba, often associated with themes of love and longing, serves as a fitting backdrop for the narrator's reflections. The act of singing becomes a temporary reprieve from the pain, allowing the narrator to momentarily forget the finality of the lost love. However, this reprieve is short-lived, as the reality of the lover's absence and the death of their affection inevitably resurfaces. The imagery of words turning into wind and love being carried away by time poignantly captures the ephemeral nature of both spoken promises and romantic feelings.