Una Tarde
Armadillos de La Sierra
A Forbidden Love: The Heartfelt Longing in 'Una Tarde'
In 'Una Tarde,' Armadillos de La Sierra delve into the depths of a forbidden and unrequited love. The song opens with the narrator attempting to forget their beloved, only to find that their thoughts are consumed by memories of this person. The imagery of looking into a mirror and seeing the beloved as a 'lucero' (a bright star) underscores the idealization and unattainable nature of this love. This sets the stage for a tale of longing and emotional turmoil.
The lyrics reveal a love that is both sincere and forbidden, highlighting the internal conflict faced by the narrator. Despite societal judgments and the barriers of distance and time, the narrator's feelings remain steadfast. This unwavering devotion is poignantly expressed through the lines, 'Ni la distancia ni el tiempo / Borran lo que por ti siento,' emphasizing that neither distance nor time can erase their feelings. The song captures the essence of a love that is deeply felt but cannot be openly expressed, adding a layer of melancholy to the narrative.
The emotional weight of the song is further amplified by the vivid descriptions of the narrator's suffering. The absence of the beloved causes the narrator's soul to feel shattered, and they are haunted by memories and imagined sounds of the beloved's presence. The offering of a single red rose symbolizes the depth of the narrator's affection and the desire to give more, despite the constraints of their situation. The song concludes with a vow of eternal remembrance, encapsulating the enduring nature of this forbidden love. Through 'Una Tarde,' Armadillos de La Sierra masterfully convey the pain and beauty of a love that defies societal norms and remains etched in the heart forever.