El Lago Artificial

Mecano's song 'El Lago Artificial' delves into the complexities and illusions of love, using vivid metaphors and a haunting narrative. The lyrics begin with a sense of regret, as the protagonist curses the day they crossed the metaphorical border into a relationship. The imagery of 'cabalgabas rumbo fijo al corazón' (you rode straight to the heart) suggests an intense and direct approach to love, which quickly takes control of the protagonist's emotions and thoughts. This initial phase of love is described as a powerful force that hooks the protagonist to the 'bombeo de tu amor' (pumping of your love), indicating a deep emotional and physical connection.

As the song progresses, the 'lago artificial' (artificial lake) becomes a central metaphor. This lake represents a false sense of peace and fulfillment that drowns the protagonist's anxiety. The artificiality of the lake suggests that the comfort and happiness derived from the relationship are not genuine but rather a temporary escape from reality. The mention of 'callejones' (alleys) and 'lúgubres rincones' (gloomy corners) of the city further emphasizes the dark and hidden aspects of this love, hinting at a sense of shame or secrecy.

The narrative takes a darker turn as the initial pleasure of the relationship fades. The protagonist describes a cycle of desire and disappointment, where the name of their lover reignites their longing, only to be met with a new 'agujero' (hole), symbolizing a void or emptiness. The repeated attempts to find satisfaction lead the protagonist back to the same dark alleys and corners, suggesting a destructive pattern of seeking love in unhealthy places. This cyclical nature of the relationship highlights the addictive and ultimately unfulfilling nature of the love described in the song.