La Mitad
Carlos Rivera
The Torment of Unrequited Love in 'La Mitad'
Carlos Rivera's song 'La Mitad' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the guilt of betraying a friend. The lyrics reveal a man who has fallen deeply in love with someone he shouldn't have, leading to a profound sense of loss and regret. The protagonist confesses that he has lost his mind and is blinded by pain, indicating the intensity of his feelings. The mention of 'her laughter' and 'dying in her mouth' suggests that he is captivated by her charm and beauty, making his situation even more agonizing.
The recurring theme of 'half' in the song symbolizes incompleteness and unfulfillment. The protagonist feels that he is living 'half of a wrong dream' and experiencing 'half of a kiss that has bled out,' which vividly portrays his emotional state. He is only living a fraction of what could have been a full and fulfilling relationship, making his existence feel fragmented and hollow. This sense of living a half-life is further emphasized by the repeated lines about 'half of the soul' and 'half of her,' underscoring his deep sense of loss and yearning.
The song also touches on themes of guilt and self-reproach. The protagonist admits to failing his friend and going 'crazy,' indicating that his actions have not only hurt himself but also someone he cares about. He tries to justify his feelings by saying he is not a coward but a 'poor lover' who wishes he had never met her in this way. The lyrics convey a sense of inevitability and punishment, as he feels life is 'provoking more wounds' and that this 'war is lost' for him. This adds a layer of tragic inevitability to his suffering, making 'La Mitad' a poignant exploration of love, guilt, and the pain of unfulfilled desires.