Retrato

Oscar Athie's song 'Retrato' delves deep into the emotional turmoil and lingering pain of a lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is struggling to move on from a past relationship. The opening lines set the tone, describing a wall that is 'sad and empty' after he removes a photograph of his former lover. This act symbolizes his attempt to erase the memories and emotions tied to that person, yet it becomes clear that this is a futile effort.

The song continues to explore the protagonist's internal conflict. He hides the photograph in a distant place, hoping to avoid the pain it brings. However, the memories and emotions are not so easily discarded. The lyrics reveal a life that has become monotonous and devoid of joy, as he spends his days creating 'sad songs' and living 'without hope.' The physical descriptions of being 'thin, haggard, tired, and without illusions' further emphasize the depth of his despair.

Despite his efforts to forget, the protagonist admits that he cannot escape the presence of his lost love in his mind. The repeated lines about living 'without emotions' and the slow passage of time highlight the stagnation and emptiness he feels. The song captures the essence of unrequited love and the difficulty of moving on, even when one tries to hide or suppress their feelings. The final verses express a longing to reach out and a hope that the former lover will realize that no one can love them as deeply as he does, encapsulating the enduring nature of his affection and sorrow.