Como Un Dolor de Muelas

Joaquín Sabina's song 'Como Un Dolor de Muelas' delves into the profound human yearning for fulfillment and the elusive nature of true satisfaction. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and similes that paint a vivid picture of longing and the fleeting moments of relief that life occasionally offers. Sabina uses the metaphor of a toothache to describe the temporary alleviation of pain, suggesting that true contentment is as rare and momentary as the relief from a persistent ache.

The song's verses explore various scenarios where the singer imagines finding solace and meaning. Phrases like 'Como si alguien de veras me quisiera' (As if someone truly loved me) and 'Como si al fin un buen poema me saliera' (As if I finally wrote a good poem) reflect a deep desire for genuine connection and creative fulfillment. These lines highlight the universal human quest for love and the struggle to achieve artistic expression, both of which are often fraught with challenges and disappointments.

Sabina also touches on the idea of overcoming obstacles and achieving the impossible. Lines such as 'Como si para crecer sobraran las escaleras' (As if to grow, stairs were unnecessary) and 'Como si escribiera un ciego un libro abierto' (As if a blind person wrote an open book) suggest a longing for effortless progress and clarity. The imagery of 'los cantos de sirena del mar muerto' (the siren songs of the Dead Sea) evokes the allure of unattainable dreams. The song ultimately portrays a poignant mix of hope and resignation, capturing the bittersweet nature of human aspirations and the fleeting moments of relief that punctuate our struggles.