Usted

María Martha Serra Lima's song 'Usted' is a poignant exploration of the anguish and turmoil that comes with unrequited love. The lyrics convey a deep sense of emotional dependency and vulnerability, as the narrator holds the object of their affection responsible for their emotional suffering. The repeated use of 'usted,' a formal and respectful form of 'you' in Spanish, adds a layer of distance and reverence, highlighting the power imbalance in the relationship.

The song's imagery is rich with metaphors that illustrate the intensity of the narrator's feelings. Describing the beloved's love as a 'grito' (a scream) that resides in the soul and heart, the narrator reveals the overwhelming and consuming nature of their emotions. The metaphor of being a 'slave to your eyes' and a 'toy of your love' underscores the lack of control and the sense of being at the mercy of the beloved's whims.

The plea for the beloved not to 'play with my life or my feelings' emphasizes the narrator's desperation and the fragility of their emotional state. The beloved is described as the narrator's 'only hope,' indicating a profound sense of dependency and the belief that their happiness hinges entirely on the beloved's reciprocation. The repeated lines about being driven to madness and even willing to give up life to overcome the fear of kissing the beloved further illustrate the depth of the narrator's obsession and despair.

'Usted' is a powerful portrayal of the pain and helplessness that often accompany unrequited love. It captures the essence of longing, vulnerability, and the emotional turmoil that can arise when one's feelings are not returned.