Tarde Lo Conocí
Patricia Teherán
Unrequited Love and Longing in Patricia Teherán's 'Tarde Lo Conocí'
Patricia Teherán's song 'Tarde Lo Conocí' is a poignant narrative of unrequited love and the yearning for a connection that seems just out of reach. The song, performed in the vallenato style, a traditional Colombian music genre, tells the story of a woman who has fallen deeply in love with a man who is already committed to someone else. The lyrics express her intense emotions and the struggle she faces in dealing with her feelings for a man who is not available to her.
The song begins with the protagonist reflecting on how unexpectedly this man has awakened a deep desire within her. She laments the timing of their meeting, expressing regret that she did not meet him earlier when he was still unattached. The lyrics 'Si primero lo hubiera visto yo, Seguramente fuera su mujer' translate to 'If I had seen him first, I would surely be his wife,' highlighting the theme of missed opportunities and the pain of what could have been. The song captures the essence of longing for someone who is just beyond reach, a sentiment that resonates with many who have experienced unrequited love.
Throughout the song, the protagonist grapples with her emotions, torn between her respect for the man's existing relationship and the overwhelming love she feels for him. She contemplates the risk of declaring her feelings, knowing that it could lead to heartache or disrupt his life. The internal conflict and the hope that one day her love will be reciprocated are conveyed through the passionate and soulful delivery of the lyrics, which is characteristic of Patricia Teherán's emotive vocal style. 'Tarde Lo Conocí' is not just a song about love, but also about the complexities of human emotions and the courage it takes to confront them.