Kad umre ljubav
Kemal Monteno
The Elegy of a Fading Love
Kemal Monteno's song "Kad umre ljubav" ("When Love Dies") is a poignant reflection on the end of a romantic relationship. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and acceptance, as the singer suggests that when love dies, music should play, and nature itself should mourn. This metaphorical imagery of fields and flowers crying underscores the depth of the emotional loss. The song's tone is both melancholic and serene, as it portrays the end of love not as a bitter or angry event, but as a natural conclusion to a beautiful chapter in life.
The lyrics also emphasize the importance of parting ways with grace and gratitude. The lines "a ti i ja, k'o prijatelja dva" ("you and I, like two friends") and "reci samo, hvala" ("just say, thank you") highlight the mutual respect and appreciation that remains between the two individuals. This mature approach to the end of a relationship is a recurring theme in Monteno's work, reflecting his ability to capture complex emotions with simplicity and elegance.
The song also revisits the past, recalling the time when the couple first fell in love and made promises to each other. The repetition of the phrase "a sad je kraj" ("and now it's the end") serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Despite the sadness of the farewell, there is a sense of peace and closure, as the couple acknowledges the beauty of their shared experiences and the inevitability of their parting. Monteno's gentle, melodic style enhances the emotional resonance of the lyrics, making "Kad umre ljubav" a timeless ode to love and loss.