Veinte Penas

La Oreja de Van Gogh's song 'Veinte Penas' delves into the profound emotions of love and loss, capturing the essence of a heart that continues to beat for someone who is no longer present. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the passage of time and the enduring nature of love. The opening lines, 'Los años pasan y se esconden / Cuando me miras con amor,' suggest that time seems to stand still when enveloped in the warmth of a loved one's gaze. This sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines love with the inevitable pain of separation.

The chorus, 'Un recuerdo cruza la ciudad / Sobre la almohada veinte lágrimas / Diez para ti, diez para mí,' uses the metaphor of tears to symbolize shared sorrow. The 'veinte lágrimas' (twenty tears) represent the equal parts of grief and longing experienced by both individuals. The act of stealing a kiss and staying to live within the other person signifies a deep emotional connection that transcends physical presence. This imagery highlights the intensity of their bond and the lingering impact of their relationship.

As the song progresses, the lyrics 'Hoy hace ya un año que no estás / Hoy hace ya un año que yo / Pienso en ti, cada segundo en ti' reflect the passage of time since the separation. The repetition of 'pienso en ti' (I think of you) emphasizes the constant presence of the loved one in the narrator's thoughts. The final lines, 'Si no te tengo aquí para poder vivir / Solo en el silencio de los siglos dormiré feliz,' convey a sense of resignation and acceptance. The narrator finds solace in the idea of eternal rest, suggesting that true peace can only be achieved in the silence of the centuries, away from the pain of longing.