Tres Puntos

Edmundo Rivero's song 'Tres Puntos' paints a vivid and tragic picture of a man overwhelmed by life's hardships. The protagonist is described as a thin, lanky figure, always dressed in a blue suit and carrying a briefcase. This imagery sets the stage for a man who is trying to maintain a semblance of dignity and normalcy despite his dire circumstances. The mention of a 'woman hysterical, and hunger' suggests that he is not only dealing with his own struggles but also the emotional and physical needs of those around him.

The man's life is marked by relentless toil, likened to that of an ox, and his misfortune is symbolized by the shine of his suit, which reflects his despair. His daily routine involves returning from his brokerage job only to spend his hard-earned money at the pharmacy, hinting at ongoing health issues or perhaps a dependency on medication. This cycle of work and expenditure underscores the futility and hopelessness that pervades his existence.

The climax of the song is both shocking and poignant. On a Sunday night, exhausted and defeated, the man decides to end it all. He turns on the gas and locks the door, intending for all three—himself, the woman, and the child—to die together. The final image left on the table is a betting slip with three points, a haunting symbol of his last grasp at hope or perhaps a cruel reminder of his unfulfilled dreams. Rivero's 'Tres Puntos' is a powerful narrative that delves into themes of despair, the crushing weight of responsibility, and the tragic decisions that can arise from a life of unrelenting hardship.