Tabaco

In 'Tabaco,' José María Contursi delves into the depths of regret and longing, painting a vivid picture of a man haunted by his past actions and the love he has lost. The song opens with the protagonist hearing a voice from the shadows, a distant reproach that brings to mind the pain he has caused. This voice, which cries and names him, is a ghostly reminder of his past, intensifying the night's eerie atmosphere. The imagery of closed eyes and a heart torn apart underscores the protagonist's inner turmoil and inability to forgive himself for the harm he inflicted on his beloved.

The chorus amplifies this sense of yearning and despair. The protagonist's hands miss the touch of his lover's hands, and he is overwhelmed by the paradox of feeling her presence so near yet so far away. The act of smoking becomes a poignant metaphor; as he inhales the tobacco, the smoke forms her figure, and the aroma evokes her fragrance. This sensory experience converses with him about the distances between them, her forgetfulness, and his madness. The protagonist is left to wonder if she, living happily, might remember him on this night.

The song's final verse deepens the sense of anguish. The protagonist describes his experience as a nightmare from which he awakens trembling, surrounded by withered violets symbolizing his sorrow. His eyes remain closed in terror, and his heart continues to bleed from the guilt of his past actions. 'Tabaco' is a poignant exploration of the enduring pain of regret and the haunting presence of lost love, masterfully conveyed through Contursi's evocative lyrics and melancholic tone.