Preso

José Luis Perales' song 'Preso' delves into the complexities of a love that feels more like imprisonment than freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is so deeply in love that he feels trapped, yet he willingly embraces his chains. The repeated use of the word 'Preso' (which means 'prisoner' in Spanish) underscores the paradox of his situation—he is a prisoner of love, bound by the very emotions that should ideally set him free.

The song opens with the protagonist admitting his madness for love, to the point where he seeks help from the very person who has ensnared him. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where he acknowledges his own irrationality and helplessness. The lines 'Vamos a decirnos la verdad, Tu te aprovechas de mi y yo te amo' (Let's tell the truth, You take advantage of me and I love you) highlight the imbalance in the relationship. Despite recognizing that he is being taken advantage of, he cannot help but love her.

The chorus is particularly poignant, as it describes his condition as being 'Preso de la carcel de tus besos' (a prisoner of the jail of your kisses). This metaphor beautifully captures the duality of his feelings—while kisses are generally associated with love and affection, here they are likened to a jail, emphasizing the suffocating nature of his love. The song also touches on themes of self-blame and protection, as he admits to thinking that her wrongdoings are his fault and that he would rather protect her than cause her harm.

'Preso' is a powerful exploration of the darker side of love, where affection becomes a form of bondage. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped in a relationship, unable to break free despite knowing that it might be the best course of action. Perales' emotive delivery and poignant lyrics make this song a timeless reflection on the complexities of human emotions and relationships.