Confesión

Enrique Santos Discépolo's song 'Confesión' is a poignant exploration of self-sacrifice and unrequited love. The lyrics tell the story of a man who deliberately distances himself from his beloved to save her from the misery he believes he would bring into her life. The song opens with the protagonist admitting that he lost her love consciously, not out of malice but out of a desire to protect her. This act of selflessness is misunderstood, leading to her hatred, which he accepts as a necessary consequence of his actions.

The song's emotional core lies in the protagonist's internal conflict. He is torn between his deep love for her and the harsh reality of his own failures. He describes himself as a 'fracasao' (a failure) and believes that by pushing her away, he is ensuring her happiness. The imagery of him 'arrinconando pa' llorarte' (hiding to cry for her) and 'mordiéndose pa' no llamarte' (biting himself to not call her) vividly portrays his enduring pain and longing. Despite the passage of time, his feelings remain unchanged, and seeing her happy and admired by others only reinforces his belief that he made the right decision, even if it meant personal suffering.

Discépolo's lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references. The use of 'sol de mi vida' (sun of my life) highlights the warmth and brightness she brought into his life, contrasting sharply with his own sense of darkness and failure. The song also reflects the cultural context of tango, a genre often associated with themes of love, loss, and melancholy. 'Confesión' is a testament to the complexity of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the happiness of another, even at the cost of one's own heartache.