Besos Que Matan

Carlos Gardel's song 'Besos Que Matan' is a poignant narrative of love, betrayal, and downfall. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a passionate romance that ultimately leads to despair. The song begins with the protagonist reminiscing about the enchanting moments spent under a canopy of magnolias and acacias, where he was captivated by the beauty and charm of his beloved. The imagery of 'savia de tus besos' (the sap of your kisses) and 'fragancia de tu aliento' (the fragrance of your breath) evokes a sense of deep, almost intoxicating love and admiration.

However, this idyllic love story takes a dark turn as the beloved's soul grows cold and she seeks pleasure in orgies, symbolizing a descent into moral decay. The reference to 'Mesalina,' a notorious figure from Roman history known for her promiscuity, underscores the extent of her fall from grace. The protagonist's anguish is palpable as he laments her indifference to his fervent pleas and her eventual plunge into an abyss of lasciviousness and evil.

The song concludes with a sense of tragic inevitability. The protagonist expresses pity and sorrow for his beloved's misfortune, recognizing that her life is now shrouded in darkness with no hope of redemption. The final lines, 'En vano es que hoy esperes / Quien te ofrezca, amoroso / El gesto venturoso / De noble redención,' highlight the futility of her longing for a noble gesture of redemption. Gardel's melancholic melody and emotive delivery amplify the song's themes of lost love and the irreversible consequences of one's actions.