El Díario

The song 'El Diario' by Binomio de Oro de América, a vallenato group from Colombia, tells a poignant story of love, neglect, and regret. The lyrics unfold the narrative of a man who discovers his former lover's diary, which she accidentally left behind. Through the diary's entries, he learns about the depth of her feelings and the reasons behind her departure, which he had previously been oblivious to. The song's title, 'El Diario,' which translates to 'The Diary,' is a metaphor for the intimate thoughts and emotions that the woman kept to herself, which the man failed to notice during their relationship.

The recurring theme of the song is the man's realization of his neglect. He admits to ignoring 'the most beautiful part of her love' and taking her for granted. The metaphor of forgetting to 'water the garden' symbolizes his neglect of their relationship and the 'small things' that mattered to her. The garden, which should have been a place of growth and beauty, became a symbol of what was left unattended and eventually withered away. The man's regret is palpable as he reflects on how he pushed her away to a distance 'as far as the north is from the south,' indicating a profound separation.

The song concludes with the man's confession to a friend about his lost love. He expresses a deep longing and admits that he has not seen the sun since the day she left, indicating that his life has been darkened by her absence. The man's request to his friend to tell her that he loves her if he ever encounters her, underscores the enduring impact of his regret. 'El Diario' is a moving ballad that serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of cherishing loved ones and not taking them for granted.