Cerraron Chipinque
José Madero
The Melancholic Longing of José Madero in 'Cerraron Chipinque'
José Madero's 'Cerraron Chipinque' is a poignant exploration of loss, longing, and the passage of time. The song's title references Chipinque, which is part of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in Mexico, suggesting a personal connection to the artist's own experiences or memories. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning for someone who is absent, with the changing seasons metaphorically representing the emotional landscape of the narrator.
The opening lines set a somber tone, with the narrator pleading for the return of a loved one who has been taken away by 'spring.' This person's absence has left the narrator in a metaphorical 'winter,' a cold and harsh emotional state. The repeated references to not feeling anything ('cuando no se sienta nada') could indicate a desire to become numb to the pain of separation or loss. The mention of the Sierra Madre looking lonely and the narrator's renunciation of melodrama suggest a struggle to cope with the emotions and a wish to move past the drama of the situation.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into themes of self-reflection and self-critique. The narrator acknowledges their flaws and the negative perceptions others may have of them ('Tienen razón, tienen razón / No es solo un rumor'). This introspection is paired with a continued longing for emotional numbness, perhaps as a means of self-preservation. The repeated counting of hours 'hasta que se sienta nada' underscores the sense of waiting and hoping for a time when the pain will subside. José Madero's emotive delivery and the melancholic melody complement the introspective lyrics, creating a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the ache of missing someone deeply.