Tengo
Lenny Fierro
The Emptiness of Material Wealth: A Heartfelt Plea in 'Tengo'
Lenny Fierro's song 'Tengo' is a poignant exploration of the emptiness that material wealth can bring when it is not accompanied by love and meaningful relationships. The lyrics delve into the narrator's deep sense of loss and regret over a past relationship that ended due to his own mistakes. He reminisces about the 'magnificent story' that once was, highlighting the significant role his former partner played in his life. The repetition of 'Tengo' (I have) juxtaposed with 'pero no te tengo' (but I don't have you) underscores the futility of his possessions without the presence of his loved one.
The song's chorus is particularly striking, as it lists various material possessions—an apartment, a new car, money, and the ability to travel on cruises—only to dismiss their value in the absence of his partner. This repetition serves to emphasize the hollowness of these items and the narrator's yearning for something far more valuable: the person he loves. The lyrics 'no hay presente si no estás en mí' (there is no present if you are not in me) and 'no hay futuro porque estoy sin ti' (there is no future because I am without you) further illustrate the depth of his despair and the centrality of his lost love to his sense of purpose and happiness.
Fierro's heartfelt plea for forgiveness and reconciliation is a central theme in 'Tengo.' He acknowledges his past mistakes and expresses a desperate desire to make amends, offering the time he previously failed to give. The song captures the universal human experience of realizing too late the true value of love and connection, and the profound emptiness that can accompany material success when it is not shared with someone special. Through its emotional lyrics and evocative melody, 'Tengo' serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.