Una Pena

Carlos Gardel's song 'Una Pena' delves deep into the sorrow and despair of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is haunted by the memory of his first love, a love that was never reciprocated. The song opens with the protagonist expressing a profound sadness that seems incurable, likening it to a bleeding wound inflicted by his first love. This metaphor of a 'sangrante mordedura' (bleeding bite) poignantly captures the enduring pain and emotional scarring caused by this unfulfilled affection.

The protagonist reminisces about the enchanting eyes of his beloved, eyes that he once dreamed would be his. This dream, however, was shattered when he confessed his love, only to be met with a definitive rejection. The lyrics 'jamás pensé que la respuesta suya, pudiese ser un terminante ¡no!' (I never thought her answer could be a definitive no) highlight the unexpected and crushing nature of this rejection. The song conveys the profound impact this unrequited love has had on his life, altering his future and leaving him in a state of perpetual longing and sorrow.

Gardel's plea to be left alone with his thoughts and memories underscores the depth of his despair. He wishes to dream of her, to suffer with his pain, and to cry over his lost illusion. The song's melancholic tone is further emphasized by the imagery of a 'fresquito ramo de hermosura y gracia' (fresh bouquet of beauty and grace) that ultimately concealed the weapon that wounded him. This metaphor illustrates the deceptive nature of his beloved's charm and the lasting impact of her rejection. 'Una Pena' is a poignant exploration of the enduring pain of unrequited love and the way it can shape and define one's life.