Prometiste Volver
Corazón Serrano
The Heartache of Unfulfilled Promises
The song "Prometiste Volver" by Corazón Serrano, a Peruvian cumbia band known for their romantic and often emotive lyrics, delves into the pain of waiting for a loved one who promised to return but never did. The lyrics express the protagonist's deep sense of longing and abandonment, as they recount the passage of time since their loved one's departure. The repeated mention of days and years passing highlights the enduring hope and the subsequent disappointment that comes with the absence of any contact or fulfillment of the promise made.
The second verse of the song introduces the protagonist's speculation about the reasons behind the broken promise. They wonder if their loved one might have found someone else, someone they perceive as better, which led to them being forgotten. This contemplation reflects a common human experience of self-doubt and the search for closure in the face of uncertainty and heartbreak.
Despite the pain and the unanswered questions, the protagonist expresses a selfless wish for the happiness of the person who left them. This poignant sentiment underscores the depth of their love and their ability to wish well for someone, even when they themselves have been hurt by that person's actions. The song's title, "Prometiste Volver" (You Promised to Return), serves as a haunting refrain that encapsulates the central theme of the song: the emotional toll of waiting for a promise that remains unkept.