Polvo en los ojos

Real de Catorce's song 'Polvo en los ojos' is a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the enigmatic nature of a tragic event. The lyrics tell the story of an unknown woman who committed suicide by throwing herself into a river. The absence of violence in her death leaves the narrator questioning the reasons behind her actions, pondering whether it was love or metaphorical 'dust in the eyes' that led her to such a fate. This phrase suggests confusion or a blinding force that obscured her vision, both literally and figuratively.

The narrator reflects on the night of the woman's death, describing a sense of detachment and introspection as he 'flew talking to the white clouds' and 'numbered the new stars.' This imagery evokes a dreamlike state, contrasting sharply with the harsh reality of the woman's demise. The narrator's plea for reassurance—that the woman was loved by the night, that she did not suffer, and that she found peace—reveals a deep yearning for closure and understanding. The repetition of 'numeré' (I counted) underscores the narrator's attempt to make sense of the loss by seeking patterns and meaning in the cosmos.

The song also delves into themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The woman left behind 'letters and knots of nostalgia,' suggesting unresolved emotions and memories that continue to haunt those she left behind. The narrator's lament, 'Vida mía, ¿qué día es hoy?' (My life, what day is today?), captures the disorientation and sorrow that accompany grief. The final lines, where the narrator describes himself as 'deaf, mute, and sad,' emphasize the profound impact of the woman's death on his life, as he struggles to remember her light and find solace in her memory.