De Tanda En Tanda

Enrique Belisario's song "De Tanda En Tanda" is a poignant narrative of heartbreak and the subsequent attempt to drown sorrow in alcohol. The song opens with the protagonist asking for aguardiente, a strong alcoholic beverage, and requesting the company of others to share in his misery. This sets the stage for a night of heavy drinking, driven by the pain of a recent heartbreak. The lyrics vividly describe the emotional turmoil he experiences after seeing his beloved with another man, a sight that deeply wounds him and leaves him feeling humiliated and desperate.

The song's narrative is rich with cultural references, particularly the use of aguardiente, which is a traditional alcoholic drink in many Latin American countries. This choice of drink symbolizes the protagonist's desire to numb his pain quickly and effectively. The cantina, or bar, serves as a refuge where he can express his sorrow without judgment, surrounded by others who might understand his plight. The repeated requests for more drinks and the plea to the bartender not to close the establishment highlight his unwillingness to face his emotions soberly.

Despite his despair, the protagonist's pride remains intact. He would rather be seen drunk and crying than as a beggar, emphasizing his need to maintain some semblance of dignity. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and a glimmer of hope for recovery, as he acknowledges that this bout of drinking is a temporary escape. The imagery of the morning sun and the sleeping companions underscores the passage of time and the inevitability of facing a new day, even if it means continuing to drink to cope with his heartache.