Manias

Raúl Ornelas' song 'Manias' delves deep into the emotional turmoil and haunting emptiness left behind after a loved one departs. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night filled with absence, where the house feels cold and a sense of foreboding grips the narrator. This sets the stage for a poignant exploration of loss and longing, as the narrator searches desperately for traces of the departed, only to find signs of their undeniable escape.

The recurring question, 'A donde vas, por que te vas,' underscores the confusion and pain of abandonment. The narrator is left grappling with the suddenness of the departure, noting how much was taken in just one day. Yet, amidst the tangible losses, the song poignantly highlights the intangible remnants left behind—'el aroma y el eco de tu risa'—the scent and the echo of laughter, which serve as painful reminders of what once was. The repeated lament that the departed forgot to take their 'manías' (quirks or habits) and a piece of the narrator's life emphasizes the deep emotional scars left behind.

Ornelas' use of metaphors, such as talking to a photo and the presence of ghosts behind curtains, enriches the narrative, illustrating the haunting nature of memories and the struggle to move on. The song captures the essence of heartbreak and the lingering presence of a loved one who has left, making it a relatable and deeply moving piece for anyone who has experienced similar loss.