50 Palabras, 60 Palabras o 100

Mecano's song "50 Palabras, 60 Palabras o 100" delves into the complexities of communication and the often ineffable nature of emotions. The lyrics describe a morning where the protagonist wakes up to find their partner gone, leaving behind no message, only flowers scattered on the living room floor. This absence of a farewell note underscores the theme that sometimes words fail to capture the depth of our feelings. Instead, symbols like flowers can convey emotions more poignantly than any written or spoken word could.

The song reflects on how colors, scents, and other sensory experiences can sometimes communicate more effectively than language. The repeated lines about the number of words—"Una palabra, cinco palabras o seis... Cincuenta palabras, sesenta palabras o cien"—highlight the inadequacy of words in expressing certain sentiments. This repetition emphasizes the struggle to find the right words and the realization that no matter how many words are used, they may never fully encapsulate the true essence of one's feelings.

As the song progresses, it touches on the aftermath of the departure, with the protagonist left to deal with the tangible remnants of the relationship, like photos on the walls and furniture that needs to be moved. This physicality contrasts with the intangible nature of emotions, further illustrating the gap between what can be seen and touched and what is felt. The song also hints at the influence of external factors, such as the moon and the passage of time, on our emotional states and creative inspiration. Through its poetic lyrics and evocative imagery, "50 Palabras, 60 Palabras o 100" captures the bittersweet reality of love, loss, and the limitations of language.