Costumbres (feat. Emanuel Noir)
Damas Gratis
The Tug of Habit Over Heartstrings
The song "Costumbres (feat. Emanuel Noir)" by Damas Gratis delves into the complex emotions that linger after the end of a romantic relationship. The lyrics speak to a conversation between former lovers, where one is trying to understand the current feelings of the other. The repeated lines about returning 'una y otra vez' (time and time again) suggest a pattern of coming back to each other, not out of love, but out of habit. This is a poignant reflection on how the routines and comforts developed in a relationship can sometimes hold a stronger sway over individuals than the actual emotional connection that once existed.
The song's chorus emphasizes the idea that habit can be more powerful than love ('la costumbre es más fuerte que el amor'). This is a sad realization that even when love has faded and been replaced by bitterness ('solo rencor'), the familiarity of being with someone can create a longing that's hard to shake off. The singer admits to not feeling anything, which is described as being even worse than the other's resentment, highlighting the emptiness that can come from losing both love and the ability to feel it.
Damas Gratis is known for their cumbia music, a genre that often explores themes of love, heartache, and social issues. The band's incorporation of these themes into their music allows listeners to connect with the emotional depth of the lyrics, often reflecting on their own experiences. "Costumbres" is a testament to the band's ability to capture the bittersweet nature of human relationships and the struggle to move on from a love that has turned into mere habit.