Se Te Olvido El Refran

Gilberto Santa Rosa's song "Se Te Olvido El Refran" delves into the themes of love, memory, and betrayal. The title itself, which translates to "You Forgot the Proverb," sets the stage for a narrative where the singer laments how his lover has forgotten the age-old wisdom encapsulated in proverbs. The repeated line, "Que mala memoria tienes tu, que pronto se te olvido el refran," underscores the frustration and disbelief that the singer feels towards his lover's forgetfulness and betrayal.

The song is rich with cultural references, particularly to Spanish proverbs that convey wisdom about love and relationships. For instance, "Amor con amor se paga" translates to "Love is repaid with love," highlighting the expectation of mutual affection in a relationship. The singer feels betrayed because his lover has not reciprocated his love, thus forgetting this fundamental principle. Another proverb, "La distancia causa olvido," meaning "Distance causes forgetfulness," is used to express the pain of separation and the fear of being forgotten.

Santa Rosa also uses metaphors to deepen the emotional impact of the song. The line "Tienes 100 años de perdón, ladrón que roba a ladrón" translates to "A thief who steals from another thief has 100 years of forgiveness," suggesting that the lover's betrayal is so profound that it warrants a lifetime of forgiveness. The metaphor of seeking shelter under a good tree, "El que a buen arbol se arrima, buena sombra le acobija," contrasts with the suffering caused by a bad love, emphasizing the consequences of poor choices in love. Through these vivid images and cultural references, Santa Rosa paints a poignant picture of love lost and the pain of betrayal.