Amor Se Llama El Juego

Joaquín Sabina's "Amor Se Llama El Juego" is a poignant reflection on the complexities and deterioration of a romantic relationship. The song's title, which translates to "Love Is Called the Game," sets the stage for an exploration of the emotional turmoil that can accompany love. Sabina, a renowned Spanish singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, delves into the theme of love's transformation over time, often highlighting its darker aspects.

The lyrics speak to a relationship that has lost its initial spark and excitement. The opening lines reveal a sense of nostalgia and regret, as the narrator acknowledges that his antics no longer amuse his partner. The reference to the 'cajita de cenizas' (little box of ashes) symbolizes the remnants of passion that have since cooled down. Sabina uses vivid imagery to convey the emotional distance that has grown between the lovers, suggesting that the time for intimacy has been replaced by a desire for rest.

Sabina's chorus is particularly evocative, with the repetition of 'El agua apaga el fuego, y al ardor los años' (Water extinguishes fire, and years the ardor), emphasizing the inevitable fading of passion over time. The metaphor of two blind people playing a game where they hurt each other captures the self-destructive nature of a relationship in decline. The song's melancholic tone is reinforced by the realization that both individuals are becoming more broken and distant, losing the essence of what once united them. The absence of blame in the lyrics suggests a resignation to the forces that erode love, rather than a search for a culprit.