Tanto
Pablo Alborán
The Melancholy of Longing: Pablo Alborán's 'Tanto'
Pablo Alborán's song 'Tanto' is a poignant expression of love, regret, and the desire for reconciliation. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning to rekindle a past relationship, with the narrator recognizing the value of what was lost and the depth of his feelings. The opening lines, 'Enséñame a rozarte lento, Quiero aprender a quererte, de nuevo,' suggest a plea for a second chance, to learn how to love the other person anew, and to approach the relationship with a gentleness that perhaps was missing before.
The chorus, 'Ahora, que me he quedado solo, Veo que te debo tanto y lo siento tanto,' reveals the narrator's realization of the magnitude of the loss now that they are alone. The repetition of 'tanto' (meaning 'so much') emphasizes the overwhelming sense of debt and sorrow the narrator feels towards their former partner. This sentiment is further amplified by the acknowledgment that they cannot endure without the other person, highlighting the dependency and the void left by the separation.
The song also touches on themes of honesty and presence, with the lines 'Tú, que me enseñaste a ser sincero, Sin temor a lo que pienso, evitando la mentira,' indicating that the partner taught the narrator valuable lessons about authenticity and truth. The presence of the partner during times when others were absent is cherished and missed. Alborán's emotive delivery, combined with the intimate lyrics, creates a powerful ballad that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one and the longing to make amends.