Bien Frappé

Carlos di Sarli's song 'Bien Frappé' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the desperate measures one might take to numb the pain of lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man seeking solace in alcohol, asking the waiter to bring him strong drinks like caña, grapa, or whisky, served 'bien frappé' (well-chilled). This request for cold, strong liquor symbolizes his attempt to freeze and dull the intense emotional pain he feels. The repetition of this request underscores his desperation and the depth of his sorrow.

The song delves into the theme of memory and its painful grip. The protagonist asks the waiter to keep serving him drinks to drown out the memories that torment him. He describes his veins being choked with rage and thirst, a metaphor for the overwhelming emotions that consume him. The imagery of the glass being filled to the brim with 'veneno' (poison) reflects his view of alcohol as both a remedy and a toxin, mirroring his conflicted feelings about love and loss.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of betrayal and the disillusionment that follows. The protagonist laments the deceit of a lover whose 'boca mentirosa' (lying mouth) and youthful allure ('el Sol de sus veinte años') have left him feeling burned and betrayed. This betrayal has extinguished the light in his life, leaving him in darkness. The song captures the universal experience of seeking escape from emotional pain, using alcohol as a temporary refuge from the harsh reality of heartbreak.

'Bien Frappé' is a powerful expression of the anguish and desperation that accompany lost love. Carlos di Sarli's evocative lyrics and the melancholic tone of the music combine to create a deeply moving portrayal of a man struggling to cope with the aftermath of a broken heart.