Como Quisiera
Raúl Ornelas
The Yearning Heart: A Deep Dive into 'Como Quisiera' by Raúl Ornelas
Raúl Ornelas' song 'Como Quisiera' is a heartfelt ballad that delves into the depths of unrequited love and the intense longing that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply in love but finds their feelings unreciprocated. The protagonist is desperate to find a way to make their beloved feel the same way, expressing a sense of helplessness and frustration. This emotional turmoil is evident in lines like 'Estoy tan desesperado de estar tan enamorado y ver que a ti no te importa mi situación,' which translates to 'I am so desperate to be so in love and see that you don't care about my situation.'
The song is rich with metaphors that enhance its emotional impact. For instance, the protagonist wishes to be 'como un barco chiquitito entre tus venas y en tu cuerpo de sirena anclar en tu corazón,' which means 'like a tiny boat in your veins and anchor in your heart of a mermaid.' This imagery beautifully captures the desire to be an integral part of the beloved's life, to navigate through their very being and find a permanent place in their heart. Another poignant metaphor is the wish to be 'la luz del sol para estrellarme en tus ojitos y besarte las ojeras,' or 'the sunlight to crash into your little eyes and kiss your dark circles,' symbolizing a desire to bring light and warmth into the beloved's life.
Culturally, the song taps into the universal theme of unrequited love, a subject that resonates across different societies and eras. The mention of 'Ejército de Guadalupe' adds a layer of cultural specificity, invoking the Virgin of Guadalupe, a significant figure in Mexican culture, to intercede and alleviate the protagonist's suffering. This plea underscores the depth of the protagonist's desperation and the lengths they are willing to go to win their beloved's affection. Raúl Ornelas, known for his emotive voice and poignant lyrics, masterfully conveys the anguish and hope that coexist in the heart of someone experiencing unrequited love.