Cerrando Bares

Cafe Quijano's song "Cerrando Bares" paints a vivid picture of a young man who once had everything going for him but has since fallen into a life of excess and regret. The lyrics begin by describing the protagonist as the quintessential good boy, the perfect son who excelled in his studies and was adored by all the girls. He was a leader, even as a young man, commanding respect and admiration from his peers. However, this seemingly perfect life was built on a fragile foundation, as hinted by the superficial admiration and the material wealth provided by a rich but emotionally distant father.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist's life has taken a downward spiral. The chorus, "Cerrando bares que más te da, pagando amores no das para más," translates to "Closing bars, what does it matter to you, paying for love, you can't give any more." This line encapsulates his current state of despair, where he spends his nights closing bars and paying for fleeting affections, unable to find genuine love or purpose. The once-promising young man is now a shadow of his former self, consumed by vices and devoid of meaningful connections.

The song also touches on themes of envy and regret. The narrator admits to having envied the protagonist's seemingly perfect life, only to realize that it was all a facade. The rich father, who filled the protagonist's wardrobe with expensive clothes, did not provide the emotional support and genuine love that truly matter. This realization adds a layer of poignancy to the song, as it highlights the emptiness that often accompanies material wealth and superficial success. "Cerrando Bares" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living a life based on appearances and the inevitable downfall that follows when one loses sight of what truly matters.