L'amour
Enrique Bunbury
The Capricious Nature of Love in 'L'amour' by Enrique Bunbury
Enrique Bunbury's song 'L'amour' delves into the complexities and often capricious nature of love, using vivid storytelling and poignant metaphors. The song begins with a stark image of a child abandoned by his mother, who has left for a life of hedonism in Ibiza. This abandonment sets the stage for a narrative that explores the emotional scars left by such experiences. The child, now a man, has survived the harsh realities of life, but the wounds of his past continue to shape his understanding of love and relationships.
Bunbury's lyrics suggest that love is not always the pure, romantic ideal often portrayed in media and literature. Instead, it can be capricious and immoral, a sentiment echoed in the lines, 'Parece que yo / Yo hago del amor / Algo caprichoso e inmoral.' The singer admits to being a storyteller, a 'cuentacuentos,' who perhaps romanticizes or distorts the concept of love, leading to feelings of sadness and disillusionment. This self-awareness adds a layer of complexity to the song, as it acknowledges the role of poets and artists in shaping our perceptions of love, for better or worse.
As the song progresses, the man grows older and becomes increasingly cynical, even expressing disdain for poets who, like him, manipulate the strings of life and love. The repeated questioning of '¡Ay que coño es el amor!' underscores the confusion and frustration that often accompany love. Bunbury's use of irony and raw emotion invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the societal constructs surrounding love. The song ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the often contradictory and elusive nature of love, challenging listeners to question their own beliefs and expectations.