Secreto

Enrique Santos Discépolo's song 'Secreto' delves into the dark and tumultuous emotions of a man ensnared by a forbidden love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is deeply conflicted, torn between his duties and the overpowering allure of a woman who has become his obsession. The term 'muñeca maldita' (cursed doll) and 'castigo de dios' (God's punishment) suggest that this woman is both a source of irresistible attraction and a destructive force in his life. The imagery of a 'ventarrón' (gale) that tears apart his past filled with tenderness, home, and faith, underscores the chaos she has brought into his once peaceful existence.

The man acknowledges the drastic changes in his life due to this illicit affair. His life, once 'sagrada y sencilla como una oración' (sacred and simple like a prayer), has now descended into a 'bárbaro horror de problemas' (barbaric horror of problems). He is caught in a moral quagmire, unable to be either more vile or better, as he is 'vencido por tu hechizo' (defeated by your spell). The lyrics reveal the extent of his downfall, as he admits to having destroyed his wife's life and deprived his children of their sustenance to lavish luxuries on his lover. This stark confession highlights the depth of his moral and emotional degradation.

The song reaches its emotional climax as the man contemplates suicide, seeking to escape the torment of his obsession. However, even in his darkest moments, he finds himself unable to pull the trigger, betrayed by his own hand. The final lines reveal a poignant truth: while he claims to consider his children, it is ultimately his lover who prevents him from ending his life. This admission underscores the profound and tragic hold she has over him, making 'Secreto' a powerful exploration of the destructive nature of forbidden love and obsession.