Del amor herido

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Del amor herido' is a poignant exploration of love and loss, wrapped in the traditional folk style of the vidalita. The vidalita is a form of Argentine folk music that often conveys deep emotional experiences, and Zitarrosa uses it masterfully to express the pain of a love that has left lasting scars. The song's lyrics are a dialogue with the vidalita itself, personified as a companion in sorrow.

The opening lines set the tone with the vidalita appearing as if it is crying, symbolizing the shared grief between the singer and the music. The singer asks the vidalita about the sorrows it is trying to forget, hinting at his own unresolved pains that continue to haunt him. This mutual search for solace in the face of heartache is a central theme, as the singer acknowledges that he, too, has forgotten many sorrows that still seek him out.

As the song progresses, the singer implores the vidalita to find a memory that can bring some relief to his life. This plea for a comforting recollection underscores the human need to find moments of peace amidst suffering. The request for a song that can be forgotten suggests a desire to move past the pain, even if temporarily. In the final verses, the singer advises the vidalita to seek new expressions and not to call upon the old wounds, as the lies of the daggers—metaphors for the sharp pains of betrayal and heartbreak—continue to pierce him. This vivid imagery captures the enduring impact of emotional wounds and the struggle to heal from them.

Zitarrosa's 'Del amor herido' is a touching reflection on the enduring nature of love's wounds and the quest for healing through music and memory. The song's melancholic tone and evocative lyrics resonate deeply, making it a timeless piece in the realm of Latin American folk music.