Son Las 4 de La Mañana

Vitico Castillo's song "Son Las 4 de La Mañana" is a poignant narrative that delves into the heartache and despair of a man drowning his sorrows in alcohol. The song begins with the protagonist at a bar at four in the morning, pleading with the bartender for another drink. This setting immediately establishes a sense of loneliness and desperation, as the man seeks solace in liquor to numb his emotional pain.

The lyrics reveal that the man's sorrow stems from a deep, unrequited love. He confesses that he is not drinking and crying without reason; his heartache is due to a true love that never accepted him for who he is—a parrandero, or a party-goer. This term, deeply rooted in Latin American culture, refers to someone who loves to celebrate and live life to the fullest, often through music and dance. The man's identity as a parrandero is central to the song, highlighting the cultural clash between his lifestyle and the expectations of his beloved.

Throughout the song, the man repeatedly asks the bartender to join him in his misery, offering to pay him triple for his company and for listening to his woes. This plea underscores his profound sense of isolation and his need for human connection, even if it is with a stranger. The mention of the "cuatro serenatero," a traditional Venezuelan string instrument, adds a layer of cultural authenticity to the song, emphasizing the man's roots and the traditional elements of his sorrowful serenade. Ultimately, the song is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the struggle to reconcile one's true self with the expectations of others.