Mas Duele
Andrés Calamaro
The Ache of Absence: A Deep Dive into 'Mas Duele' by Andrés Calamaro
In 'Mas Duele,' Andrés Calamaro poignantly captures the profound sense of loss and emptiness that accompanies the absence of a loved one. The song opens with a tender image of holding hands, symbolizing a deep connection and shared experiences. Calamaro's lyrics, 'Ya te enseñé todo lo que sabía,' suggest a relationship where everything meaningful has already been shared, making the absence even more painful. The repetition of 'Cuando no estás es feo' emphasizes the ugliness and discomfort of being alone, highlighting the emotional void left behind.
The imagery in the song is both vivid and relatable. Calamaro describes mundane actions like putting on wet clothes and toasting with mineral water, which symbolize the discomfort and lack of joy in his life without the other person. The line 'No hay relleno para la empanada' metaphorically illustrates the emptiness he feels, as if life itself has lost its flavor and substance. This metaphor extends to the broader theme of the song, where the absence of the loved one makes everything seem dull and incomplete.
Calamaro's use of the phrase 'La única verdad es la verdad' suggests a resignation to the harsh reality of the situation. Despite attempts to forget and move on, the pain of absence remains a constant truth. The repetition of 'duele más' throughout the song underscores the increasing intensity of this pain. The song's melancholic tone and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, capturing the universal experience of missing someone dearly. Calamaro's ability to convey such raw emotion through simple yet powerful imagery makes 'Mas Duele' a touching and relatable piece for anyone who has experienced the ache of absence.