La Número 20
Sergio Vega
The Bitterness of Lost Love in 'La Número 20'
The song 'La Número 20' by Sergio Vega, also known as 'El Shaka', is a poignant expression of heartache and resentment following a romantic disappointment. The lyrics convey a strong message of wishing ill upon an ex-lover, not out of a desire for personal gain, but as a perceived just consequence of their actions. The narrator expresses a lack of remorse for speaking harshly about the former partner, even invoking religious figures like San Martín de Porres, suggesting a deep-seated need for spiritual intervention to cope with the emotional turmoil.
The title 'La Número 20' refers to the ex-partner being the twentieth in a series of romantic encounters, implying that the narrator has had many relationships. The comparison of the ex to the previous nineteen 'beautiful' ones highlights the narrator's disappointment, as the ex is depicted as perpetually dull and sorrowful. This contrast serves to minimize the pain of the breakup, as the narrator convinces themselves that the loss is not as significant given the ex's negative traits.
Sergio Vega's musical style often includes narratives of personal experiences and emotions, and 'La Número 20' is no exception. The song's tone is one of vindication and self-consolation, as the narrator seeks to overcome the bitterness of the past relationship. The mention of confession and seeking forgiveness adds a layer of irony, as the narrator seems to suggest that the ex-partner is the one who should be seeking redemption for being a 'bad person', while simultaneously expressing a vengeful desire.