Como Una Vela
Melendi
The Melancholy Flame of Lost Love
Melendi's song "Como Una Vela" is a poignant exploration of heartache and the lingering pain of a lost love. The Spanish singer-songwriter uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the depth of his sorrow and the process of trying to move on from a relationship that has deeply affected him. The lyrics suggest that a significant part of him left with his former lover, leaving him feeling incomplete and frozen, much like the winter he describes.
The recurring metaphor of the heart being worn out like the heel of a boot illustrates the exhaustion of giving love without reciprocation. The phrase 'contar con los dedos de una mano los te quieros' (counting the 'I love yous' on the fingers of one hand) emphasizes the scarcity of affection he received in return. The chorus, where he sings about consuming himself like a candle, further emphasizes the self-destructive nature of his grief, as he isolates himself to prevent his pain from affecting others. The line 'que alguno todavía llaman amor' (that some still call love) reflects a sense of disillusionment with the concept of love itself.
The song also touches on the fear and confusion that can accompany the end of a relationship. The mention of their last meeting, where neither was truly present, suggests a disconnect and the realization that their relationship was no longer sustainable. The closing lines of the song express a bittersweet farewell, with a touch of irony in wishing his former partner well but in a way that suggests a reversal of fortune. Melendi's raw emotion and the evocative language make "Como Una Vela" a moving ballad that resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexities of a painful breakup.