Por El Túnel

Joaquín Sabina's song 'Por El Túnel' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, lost love, and the passage of time. The lyrics take us back to a time when the narrator and his love interest were deeply connected, living in a world that seemed to end at her garden. The imagery of the narrator as a cowboy and the woman as a saloon dancer evokes a sense of romanticized adventure and youthful exuberance. However, this idyllic past is contrasted with the present, where the woman has turned to a life that the narrator describes as making 'love her profession,' hinting at a possible descent into prostitution or a life of emotional detachment.

The song delves into the theme of change and the inevitability of time's passage. The narrator remains in Madrid, seemingly stuck in a rut, while his former love has moved on, albeit in a direction that suggests a loss of innocence. The mention of the rest of the band being 'engulfed by the damned clock' symbolizes how time has consumed their youthful dreams and aspirations. The narrator's life has become mundane, filled with routine activities like making bets, having children, and going to the bar. In this context, the woman's profession is seen as just another way to cope with the harsh realities of life.

The metaphor of the tunnel leading to 'the darkest flower of the city' is particularly striking. It suggests a journey into the depths of despair and the darker aspects of urban life. This tunnel could symbolize the woman's descent into a life that is far removed from the innocence and joy of their past. The song captures the melancholy of lost dreams and the harsh truths that come with growing up and facing the world as it is, rather than as we once imagined it to be.