Explicación de mi amor

The song 'Explicación de mi amor' by Alfredo Zitarrosa, a renowned Uruguayan singer-songwriter and poet, is a poignant expression of grief and love. The lyrics convey a deep sense of loss, as the narrator grapples with the absence of a loved one. Zitarrosa's music is often characterized by its emotional depth and his ability to capture the essence of human feelings, and this song is no exception.

The opening lines set the tone for the song, with the narrator feeling a 'fetal drunkenness' due to the death of someone close. This metaphor suggests a profound disorientation and vulnerability, akin to that of an unborn child. The song continues with the narrator's desire to explain their love, not the absence or their own faults. The use of musical metaphors, such as a 'hidden box' and 'a key locked in the wall,' reflects the complexity and intimacy of the relationship that has been lost.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the past, describing it as a 'soft feast' where the loved one was present in various forms. The mention of 'clavicordio' (clavichord) and alcohol symbolizes the blend of sensitivity and brutality in their shared experiences. The narrator's plea for the loved one to stop dying suggests an ongoing struggle with the finality of death and the wish to keep their memory alive. The song ends with a request for the loved one to cleanse the narrator's bitter pain, indicating a yearning for peace and closure.