Costumbre
Ke Personajes
The Unyielding Grip of Habit: Analyzing 'Costumbre' by Ke Personajes
In 'Costumbre,' Ke Personajes delves into the complex emotions that arise when love fades but the habit of being with someone remains. The song opens with a plea for conversation, a request to share life stories, which underscores a deep-seated connection between the two individuals. The lyrics suggest that despite attempts to move on, the bond they share is unbreakable, as evidenced by the repeated line, 'Siempre volverás' (You will always come back). This repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of their relationship, where they find themselves drawn back to each other time and again, even if the love has turned into something more bitter, like resentment.
The song poignantly captures the paradox of feeling nothing yet still missing the other person. The line, 'Y aunque ya no sientas más amor por mí, solo rencor' (And even if you no longer feel love for me, only resentment), highlights the emotional complexity of their situation. The narrator admits to feeling nothing, which they consider even worse than resentment. This emotional numbness is contrasted with the admission, 'Pero te extraño' (But I miss you), revealing that the absence of love does not equate to the absence of longing. The song suggests that the force of habit, or 'costumbre,' is more powerful than love itself, binding them together in a way that love no longer does.
Musically, the song's upbeat rhythm and lively instrumentation, typical of Ke Personajes' style, create a stark contrast to the melancholic lyrics. This juxtaposition adds another layer of complexity, as the music invites listeners to dance and celebrate, even as the words speak of emotional turmoil. The communal call to action, with phrases like 'las manos arriba' (hands up), encourages collective participation, perhaps as a way to cope with the shared experience of love and loss. The song becomes a cathartic experience, blending sorrow with celebration, and highlighting the resilience of human connections, even when love has faded.