Castillo de Alcalá

Camarón de La Isla's song 'Castillo de Alcalá' is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the bittersweet nature of dreams. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man deeply enamored with a dark-eyed gypsy woman. His love for her is so profound that merely seeing her brings him joy and alleviates his sorrows. This intense emotional connection is a common theme in flamenco music, where love and pain are often intertwined.

The song delves into the realm of dreams and reality, highlighting the protagonist's torment and joy. He recalls a dream where he experienced immense happiness, only to wake up and realize it was all an illusion. This moment of awakening is a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of happiness and the harshness of reality. The dream sequence serves as a reminder of how our desires and hopes can sometimes lead to disappointment when faced with the truth.

Additionally, the song touches on the societal and familial obstacles that often stand in the way of true love. The protagonist is in love with a young girl, but her mother refuses to allow their union. Despite this, the girl has sworn eternal love to him, even if she has many suitors. This situation reflects the traditional values and familial pressures that are prevalent in many cultures, particularly in the context of gypsy communities. The repeated lines 'Eso que tú haces no se hace' ('What you do is not right') emphasize the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.