Ornamentales
Benjamin Amadeo
The Struggle Between Reality and Illusion in 'Ornamentales'
Benjamin Amadeo's song 'Ornamentales' delves into the complex emotions of love, loss, and the struggle to distinguish between reality and illusion. The lyrics open with the singer expressing a sense of disconnection from reality, except for a vivid hallucination grounded in real events. This sets the stage for a narrative where the protagonist is caught between the tangible and the imagined, seeking peace in a relationship that feels both real and surreal.
The recurring theme of 'ornamental kisses' symbolizes superficial affection that lacks depth and permanence. The protagonist grapples with the pain of missing these fleeting moments of intimacy, which are described as 'ornamental'—beautiful but ultimately insubstantial. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and the difficulty of moving on from a love that was never fully realized. The line 'In half an hour I fell apart to not return' poignantly captures the rapid disintegration of the protagonist's emotional state, highlighting the fragility of their connection.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring motif of trying to change 'convinced hearts,' suggesting a futile effort to alter deeply ingrained feelings. The protagonist writes to their lover, unsure if the intention is to set them free or to keep them close. This ambivalence underscores the internal conflict between letting go and holding on. The 'secret weapon' mentioned in the lyrics is the hope that the lover will not be able to cast the protagonist into oblivion, emphasizing the fear of being forgotten. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of love and the struggle to reconcile with its impermanence.