Lágrimas Negras

Jorge Mautner's 'Lágrimas Negras' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the depths of sorrow and the complex interplay between beauty and pain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a melancholic journey, where the protagonist's kiss and embrace are likened to the strength of steel and the richness of oil wells, respectively. This imagery suggests a profound and intense emotional connection, one that is both valuable and enduring. The 'black tears' that fall, hurt, and flow throughout the song symbolize deep-seated grief and emotional turmoil, emphasizing the weight of the sorrow being experienced.

The song also explores the juxtaposition of beauty and sadness. The reference to flowers and stars, and the image of wearing a star as an earring, portrays a sense of ethereal beauty and longing. The 'astronaut of longing' with a 'red mouth' further accentuates this theme, suggesting a journey through the vast expanse of emotions and memories. The recurring motif of 'black tears' as grinding millstones that 'grind, gnaw, grind' underscores the relentless and consuming nature of grief. The cyclical movement of 'you baby go, come, go' reflects the repetitive and inescapable nature of this emotional pain.

Mautner's lyrics also touch on the intrinsic connection between beauty and sadness. The line 'beauties are things lit from within, sadnesses are beauties extinguished by suffering' encapsulates the idea that true beauty often comes from within, but it can be dimmed or extinguished by the weight of suffering. This poignant observation adds a layer of philosophical depth to the song, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of beauty and sorrow. Through 'Lágrimas Negras,' Jorge Mautner masterfully captures the essence of human emotion, blending poetic imagery with profound insights into the nature of grief and beauty.