Que Levanten La Mano
Grupo 5
The Universal Ache of Love Lost in Grupo 5's 'Que Levanten La Mano'
Grupo 5, a popular Peruvian cumbia band, is known for its infectious rhythms and poignant lyrics that often speak to the common experiences of love and heartache. Their song 'Que Levanten La Mano' is no exception, as it delves into the universal theme of suffering from a lost love. The lyrics invite listeners to raise their hands if they've never experienced the pain of a goodbye or the agony of unrequited love, suggesting that these are nearly universal experiences.
The song's chorus, 'Que levante la mano quién no lloró un adiós / Que levante la mano quién no sufrió por amor,' translates to 'Raise your hand if you haven't cried a goodbye / Raise your hand if you haven't suffered for love.' This call-and-response style is a powerful way to connect with the audience, as it acknowledges the shared pain of love lost. The rhetorical question implies that everyone has gone through such heartbreak, creating a sense of community and shared understanding among listeners.
The latter part of the song uses vivid metaphors to describe the physical and emotional effects of heartbreak, likening it to a sickness or poison. The lyrics 'Lentamente me sube la fiebre / Poco a poco se nubla mi vista' (Slowly the fever rises / Little by little my sight clouds) evoke the overwhelming and consuming nature of love's pain. The singer describes being in a state of coma due to the 'sweet poison' of love, indicating how deeply love can affect one's entire being. The search for the person who left, referred to as the antidote, highlights the desperation and longing to cure the pain caused by their absence. Grupo 5's 'Que Levanten La Mano' is a testament to the shared human experience of love's trials and the hope for healing.