Eran Tres

Alberto Cortez's song "Eran Tres" is a poignant tribute to three individuals named Pablo, each representing different facets of artistic expression. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of these three Pablos, who are described as brothers of light, love, and knowledge. The repetition of "eran tres" emphasizes their unity and shared purpose, while also highlighting their individual paths. The song mourns their departure, suggesting that the world is left poorer without their contributions.

The first Pablo is associated with poetry, following verses and embodying the spirit of a poet. The second Pablo is a painter, capturing the universe on canvas. The third Pablo, still in his childhood, represents innocence and potential. These three Pablos symbolize different forms of creativity and the impact of art on the world. Cortez uses metaphors like "three Quijotes" to illustrate their struggle against the mundane, armed with a cello, a poem, and a paintbrush, much like Don Quixote fought windmills.

The song also references specific cultural elements, such as "el cant dels ocells," a traditional Catalan song, and various roles like sailor, harlequin, and bullfighter, to show the multifaceted nature of these Pablos. The lamentation of their absence underscores the irreplaceable value of artists in society. Cortez's heartfelt lyrics serve as a reminder of the beauty and inspiration that artists bring to the world, and the void left when they are gone.