Trampolin

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, a legendary salsa orchestra, is known for its vibrant rhythms and poignant storytelling through music. Their song 'Trampolin' is a narrative of heartbreak and resilience, set to the infectious beats that have made the group a staple in Latin music since the 1960s. The lyrics tell a tale of a man who helped a woman during a low point in her life, only to feel used when she leaves him after finding success and happiness.

The song begins with the man recalling how he found the woman in a state of despair, 'atada al fracaso' (tied to failure), and took her into his arms, believing in her promises of love. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the woman has moved on, leaving the man feeling like a 'trampolín' (trampoline) - a metaphor for being used as a stepping stone to better things. The term 'trampolín' is particularly evocative, suggesting not only that he was a means to an end but also that the woman's departure was a leap away from her past, including him.

Despite the pain of feeling discarded, the man expresses no resentment, instead wishing her well and hoping that he served a good purpose in her life. The repeated line 'Espero haberte servido mujer / Y que sea feliz tu vida' (I hope I have served you well, woman / And that your life be happy) underscores a bittersweet acceptance. The song's chorus, with its refrain of 'mujer ingrata' (ungrateful woman), adds a layer of complexity, as it juxtaposes the man's magnanimity with a sense of betrayal. 'Trampolin' is a rich tapestry of emotions, woven with the threads of El Gran Combo's signature sound, and it resonates with anyone who has ever felt used or taken for granted in a relationship.