Que Diera

Carlos Vives' song 'Que Diera' is a poignant exploration of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning for a lost love, with the protagonist reflecting on the time that has passed and the silence that has ensued. The opening lines set the tone, as the singer grapples with the absence of communication and the emotional void left by the departure of a loved one. This sense of loss is palpable, as he reminisces about the kisses and moments they shared, now just distant memories.

The song also touches on the broader context of life and its challenges. Vives mentions the arrival of bad news from the capital, juxtaposing personal sorrow with societal issues. This duality adds depth to the narrative, highlighting how personal grief can be compounded by external circumstances. The mention of old songs and the act of singing them again serves as a metaphor for clinging to the past and the comfort it brings, even as time moves forward.

In the latter part of the song, Vives introduces a sense of hope and resilience. Despite the melancholy, there is an underlying belief that true love will eventually lead to a reunion. The references to cultural icons like 'Gabito' (Gabriel García Márquez) and the Nobel Prize add a layer of cultural pride and significance, grounding the personal story in a broader cultural context. The closing lines, 'Que en la tierra del olvido te voy a querer,' suggest that even in the land of forgetfulness, love endures, offering a bittersweet but hopeful conclusion to the song's narrative.