Esta Cobardia
Frankie Ruiz
Unrequited Love and Silent Longing in 'Esta Cobardia'
The song 'Esta Cobardia' by Frankie Ruiz is a poignant expression of unrequited love and the internal struggle of harboring feelings that are not openly reciprocated. The lyrics reveal the narrator's deep affection for a woman who seems unaware of his emotions. He describes his silent sighs, the sparkle in his eyes, and the trembling he experiences in her presence, all of which go unnoticed by her. The narrator's love is so intense that he imagines possessing her and experiencing her kisses, even though these are just fantasies born out of his longing.
The repeated chorus, 'Esta cobardía de mi amor por ella,' which translates to 'This cowardice of my love for her,' suggests that the narrator views his inability to express his feelings as cowardly. He compares the object of his affection to a distant star, symbolizing her unattainability and his own feelings of inadequacy. Despite the depth of his love, he feels that she is so far out of reach that he will never be able to have her. This metaphor captures the essence of unrequited love, where the beloved is idealized and placed on a pedestal, making the prospect of a relationship seem impossible.
Frankie Ruiz was known for his salsa music, and 'Esta Cobardia' is a classic example of the romantic themes often found in the genre. The song's emotional weight is carried not only by the lyrics but also by the passionate delivery and the vibrant salsa rhythm, which contrasts with the melancholic message. The song resonates with anyone who has ever loved someone from afar, feeling both the joy of love and the pain of silence.