Yaraví

The song 'Yaraví' by Alfredo Zitarrosa is a poignant expression of unrequited love and longing. The lyrics convey a deep sense of sadness and the pain of loving someone who does not return that affection. The title itself, 'Yaraví,' refers to a genre of Andean music known for its melancholic tone, which is fitting for the song's theme.

In the song, the narrator speaks of dreaming about the object of his affection, holding her close and caring for her like a rose that he has tended. The use of the rose as a metaphor suggests beauty and fragility, and the act of dreaming indicates a desire for an idealized love that may not exist in reality. The narrator's love is described as a 'cariño triste,' a sad love, highlighting the emotional turmoil of loving someone who is indifferent to his feelings. The mention of the ruby of her lips becoming tarnished by lies suggests a betrayal or a lack of sincerity in the relationship.

The final stanza reflects the narrator's despair, as he claims he would rather not go to heaven if it means suffering without his beloved. This hyperbolic statement emphasizes the depth of his attachment and the extent to which his love has consumed him. The song, therefore, is a lamentation, a yearning for a love that remains unfulfilled, and a reflection on the pain that can accompany deep emotional connections when they are not reciprocated.