Besando Borrachos

Ramón Ayala's song "Besando Borrachos" delves into the poignant and melancholic life of a wandering troubadour who is deeply in love with a woman who works in cantinas. The protagonist describes himself as a bohemian, a lost soul, and a fatalistic troubadour who roams through life without faith or destiny. He contrasts his own sorrowful existence with the woman he loves, who is depicted as a beautiful but transactional figure, moving from one drunken kiss to another in exchange for money. This stark contrast highlights the unbridgeable gap between his genuine love and her mercenary affections.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the troubadour's nightly routine, where he sings to console the weeping hearts of the people, yet finds no solace for his own. His love for the woman is profound and sincere, but he is painfully aware that without money, he cannot win her affection. This unrequited love is a source of deep suffering for him, and he endures it stoically, embodying the traditional masculine ideal of enduring pain without complaint. The repeated imagery of the woman kissing drunkards underscores the futility and heartbreak of his situation.

Ayala's song is rich with cultural references to the life of a troubadour and the cantina culture, where music and love are often intertwined with sorrow and longing. The troubadour's desire to smash his guitar in frustration symbolizes his helplessness and the destructive power of unfulfilled love. The song captures the essence of a tragic love story, where the protagonist's artistic soul and genuine emotions are at odds with the harsh realities of a world where love can be bought and sold.