El Caballo Que No Tuve

José Larralde's song "El Caballo Que No Tuve" is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled dreams and the passage of time. The lyrics tell the story of a horse that the narrator never had, which he initially names 'distance' but later realizes should be called 'hope.' This horse symbolizes the unattainable aspirations and desires that the narrator has carried throughout his life. The imagery of the horse, crafted from elements of nature and emotions, serves as a powerful metaphor for the dreams that remain just out of reach.

The narrator describes how he prepared for this imaginary horse with great care, using materials like nostalgia, tears, and illusions to create a saddle and other gear. These elements highlight the deep emotional investment and the sense of longing that the narrator feels. The use of natural elements like the sun, wind, and morning dew to create the horse's equipment further emphasizes the connection between the narrator's dreams and the natural world. The horse, named 'hope,' becomes a vessel for the narrator's deepest desires and the emotional journey he undertakes.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the realization that his hopes have not materialized. The years go by, and the horse of hope never arrives, leading to a sense of resignation and acceptance. The narrator ultimately gives away the items he had prepared for the horse, symbolizing the letting go of his dreams. The song concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of the futility of his hopes and the emotional toll it has taken on him. Larralde's evocative lyrics and the melancholic tone of the song capture the universal experience of longing and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled dreams.