20 Aniversario… Palabras

Patxi Andion's song "20 Aniversario… Palabras" is a poignant reflection on a long-term relationship that has spanned two decades. The lyrics capture a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the narrator looks back on the years spent together with a mix of affection and regret. The song opens with a simple acknowledgment of their 20th anniversary, marked by traditional gifts—flowers and perfumes for the partner, and books for the narrator. This exchange symbolizes the different ways they have expressed their love and appreciation for each other over the years.

The song delves deeper into the complexities of their relationship, hinting at unspoken words and missed opportunities. The narrator admits to not having said "great things" because they wouldn't have come out right, attributing this to the "things of old people" and the bitterness of not having achieved certain dreams. This line suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of their imperfect but enduring bond. The imagery of one partner lowering the blinds while the other finishes their last glass of wine paints a picture of a couple who have settled into a routine, perhaps at the cost of deeper emotional connection.

As the song progresses, the narrator attempts to create a song for their partner, something to sing softly like a lullaby. However, what emerges are just words set to music, lacking the warmth and depth of a true song. This metaphor highlights the emotional distance that has grown between them, despite their physical proximity. The coldness of the house, whether due to the nearby river or the onset of winter, serves as a powerful symbol of the chill that has settled into their relationship. The song ends on a somber note, with the repeated refrain of "la, lara, lara," echoing the emptiness and unfulfilled longing that permeates their shared life.