Cuatro Cirios

Bienvenido Granda's 'Cuatro Cirios' is a poignant and sorrowful ballad that delves deep into the themes of loss, betrayal, and eternal mourning. The song opens with a vivid image of four lit candles standing guard over a coffin, symbolizing the death of the singer's love. This stark imagery sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the coldness and loneliness that accompany such a profound loss. The candles, dressed in mourning just like the singer's heart, highlight the depth of his sorrow and the emptiness left behind.

The lyrics further explore the idea of a love that has been killed, not just lost. The singer curses the one who caused this pain, stating that they will wander like a shadow, cursed never to be loved as deeply as he loved them. This notion of divine retribution is powerful, suggesting that the pain inflicted on the singer will not go unpunished. The reference to answering before the tribunal of God adds a layer of spiritual and moral gravity to the song, indicating that the betrayal is not just a personal affront but a cosmic injustice.

As the song progresses, the singer describes his journey through the mountains, carrying the coffin of his love. This journey is symbolic of the burden of grief he carries, a weight that he cannot escape. The act of watering a grave with his tears further emphasizes the depth of his sorrow and the permanence of his loss. The repetition of the coldness and loneliness of the funeral cortege, with only the four mourning candles for company, reinforces the isolation and despair that the singer feels. 'Cuatro Cirios' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the pain of lost love and the enduring impact of betrayal.