Repitela
Jessi Uribe
Drowning in Melancholy: Jessi Uribe's 'Repitela'
Jessi Uribe's 'Repitela' is a poignant ballad that delves into the depths of heartache and longing. The song's narrative unfolds in a bar setting, where the protagonist is requesting the bartender to repeatedly play a song that holds significant emotional value. The song in question is the last one dedicated to the protagonist by a former lover, and it encapsulates the pain and sorrow of their separation.
The lyrics express the protagonist's desire to immerse themselves in the memories of their past relationship, even if it intensifies their heartbreak. The repeated plea to the bartender to play the song 'una y mil veces' (one and a thousand times) underscores the depth of their anguish. The protagonist is willing to pay any price, highlighting the desperation to relive the moments of love and promises made 'hasta el fin' (until the end). The song's refrain becomes a metaphor for the cyclical nature of grief, where the protagonist is stuck in a loop of reminiscence and sorrow.
The cultural context of the song, with its references to a 'cantinero' (bartender) and a 'vieja rockola' (old jukebox), adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the narrative. Jessi Uribe's emotive delivery and the song's traditional Latin rhythms contribute to the overall melancholic atmosphere. 'Repitela' is not just a song about lost love, but also a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke and amplify our deepest emotions.