La Propina

Ivan Noble's song "La Propina" delves into the emotional aftermath of betrayal and the painful process of moving on. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lover's return after a prolonged absence, only to be met with skepticism and a sense of finality. The opening lines set the stage for this emotional journey, describing the return of a lover after 113 nights, with a voice that once held regal authority now reduced to a plea for forgiveness. This imagery of a fallen queen with her tail between her legs underscores the depth of the betrayal and the shift in power dynamics within the relationship.

The song's chorus is a poignant plea for the lover not to beg for another chance, as the speaker has lost faith in miracles and second chances. The use of metaphors like "te quiero" rancios (stale 'I love you's) and "labios de Judas en baby doll" (Judas' lips in a baby doll) highlights the insincerity and deceit that have tainted the relationship. The speaker's resolve to leave the "propina" (tip) signifies their decision to take control and end the relationship on their own terms, rather than being swayed by empty promises.

As the song progresses, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of their lover's presence and the inevitability of parting ways. The lines "siempre estoy de paso pero puedo hacer una excepción" (I'm always passing through, but I can make an exception) reveal the lover's transient nature, while the speaker's act of crossing their fingers before crossing kisses symbolizes a desperate hope for change. Ultimately, the song concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker prepares to bury the dead relationship and move on, leaving the final tip as a symbolic gesture of closure.