Cuando Los Años Pasen

José Alfredo Jiménez's song 'Cuando Los Años Pasen' delves into the enduring pain and bittersweet memories of a love that has ended. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of resignation and acceptance, acknowledging that the relationship could never be what the singer desired. Despite recognizing that the other person is not inherently bad, the singer laments their indifference to his love, highlighting the tragic nature of unreciprocated affection.

The song poignantly captures the sorrow of parting ways with someone who was once deeply cherished. The line 'Pero el amor se acaba, aunque se quiera mucho' (But love ends, even if you love a lot) underscores the inevitability of love's demise, no matter how strong the feelings might have been. The singer's heartache is further compounded by the 'maldito orgullo' (damned pride) of the other person, which ultimately destroyed their love. This pride serves as a metaphor for the barriers that often prevent reconciliation and healing in relationships.

As the years pass, the singer vows to remember the good times shared, despite the pain. The repeated promise to recall the 'momentos grandes' (great moments) given unintentionally by the other person reveals a complex mix of gratitude and sorrow. The singer's plea for the other not to look at him with 'odio infame de la desesperación' (infamous hatred of desperation) if they meet again, speaks to the lingering emotional connection and the difficulty of moving on. Even though the singer wishes he could hate the other person, he admits that they will always live in his heart, illustrating the enduring impact of past love on one's soul.