El Préstamo
Maluma
The Heart on Loan: Maluma's Tale of Guarded Love
Maluma's song "El Préstamo" delves into the complexities of love and vulnerability. The Colombian artist, known for his reggaeton and Latin pop hits, uses the metaphor of a loan to describe his emotional investment in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that he has given his love to someone not as a gift, but as something temporary and reclaimable, indicating a reluctance to fully commit due to past hurts.
The repeated chorus, 'Yo no lo di, yo lo presté' ('I didn't give it, I lent it'), emphasizes the singer's guarded approach to love. He admits to having 'mis motivos' (my reasons) for this mindset, shaped by previous losses in the 'juego del amor' (game of love). Maluma's portrayal of love as a transaction where one can demand their investment back speaks to a protective stance, possibly stemming from fear of being hurt again.
The song also touches on the theme of moving on. Maluma advises the object of his affections to find someone who can truly love and cherish her, suggesting a recognition that he may not be capable of providing the depth of commitment she deserves. This advice, coupled with the metaphor of the loan, paints a picture of a man who is self-aware but still trapped by his emotional defenses.