Cómo Duele

Ricardo Arjona's 'Como Duele' is a poignant ballad that delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the pain of a relationship that has lost its spark. The song's title, which translates to 'How It Hurts,' sets the tone for a narrative of deep emotional suffering. Arjona uses vivid metaphors to express the lengths he has gone to in an attempt to rekindle the love that once was, such as bringing the light of the sun at midnight or sweetening the sea's water. These grand gestures highlight the desperation and futility felt when love is not reciprocated.

The chorus emphasizes the physical closeness yet emotional distance between the lovers, as they share the same bed but are metaphorically 'hundreds of kilometers' apart. This juxtaposition of proximity and separation poignantly illustrates the loneliness and disconnect that can occur even in intimate settings. Arjona's lyrics suggest that despite the efforts to maintain the facade of a perfect relationship, the pain of acknowledging its deterioration is overwhelming.

The song also touches on the theme of self-deception and the reluctance to accept the end of a relationship. The reference to 'wasting life trying to locate what was lost long ago' speaks to the difficulty of letting go and moving on from a love that has faded. Arjona's emotive storytelling and the melancholic melody resonate with anyone who has experienced the heartache of holding onto a love that no longer exists.