Ojalá
Ismael Serrano
A Heart's Desperate Plea: The Yearning in 'Ojalá' by Ismael Serrano
Ismael Serrano's song 'Ojalá' is a poignant expression of longing and heartache. The lyrics are imbued with a deep sense of sorrow and a desperate wish to forget a past lover. The word 'ojalá,' which translates to 'I hope' or 'I wish' in English, is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's fervent desire to erase the memories of this person from his life. The imagery used in the song is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a love that has left a lasting, painful imprint on the singer's heart.
The song opens with a series of wishes that nature itself would not remind the singer of his lost love. He wishes that the falling leaves, the rain, and even the moon would not bring back memories of this person. This use of natural elements as metaphors highlights the omnipresence of the lover in the singer's life, making it impossible for him to escape the pain of their absence. The chorus intensifies this sentiment, with the singer wishing for something drastic to happen to erase the lover from his mind, even if it means his own death.
In the second verse, the singer continues to express his desire to be free from the constant reminders of his past love. He wishes that the dawn would not bring back memories, that the walls would not echo the sounds of the lover's tired footsteps, and that his desire would follow the lover to their 'old government of the dead and flowers.' This phrase suggests a place of finality and closure, where the singer hopes his longing will finally be laid to rest. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the intensity of the singer's emotions, making 'Ojalá' a powerful and moving portrayal of unrelenting heartache and the desperate wish for release.