Lagrimitay Cervecitay
Armonía 10
Drowning Sorrows in Bubbles and Tears
The song "Lagrimitay Cervecitay" by Armonía 10, a Peruvian cumbia band, delves into the heartache of unrequited love and the attempt to find solace in alcohol. The lyrics are a poignant plea from someone who is facing the end of a relationship and feels that life is unbearable without their loved one. The phrase "Si vas a dejarme, quítame la vida" which translates to "If you're going to leave me, take my life," expresses a deep sense of loss and the feeling that life without the partner is equivalent to death.
The repetition of the words "Lagrimitay" (little tear) and "Cervecitay" (little beer) symbolizes the dual coping mechanisms the narrator is using to deal with their pain: crying and drinking. The song captures the universal experience of trying to numb emotional pain with alcohol, as the narrator calls on beer to stop the tears and end the suffering. The use of diminutives in Spanish adds a touch of endearment and familiarity, suggesting a close relationship with the objects of solace, the tears and the beer.
Armonía 10 is known for their cumbia music, which often features themes of love, heartbreak, and social issues. This song is a classic example of how cumbia can convey deep emotions while still providing a rhythm that invites listeners to dance. The juxtaposition of upbeat music with melancholic lyrics is a hallmark of the genre, reflecting the complexity of human emotions and the ways in which people cope with life's challenges.