Él

Carlos Rivera's song 'Él' is a poignant reflection on the memories of a fragmented family, seen through the eyes of a child who witnessed the tumultuous relationship between his parents. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and sorrow, as the narrator recalls the moments of love, conflict, and eventual separation that defined his early years. The repetition of phrases like 'Me acuerdo de ti y de él' (I remember you and him) and 'Pensando en ti y en él' (Thinking of you and him) underscores the deep emotional impact these memories have had on the narrator.

The song delves into the complexities of familial relationships, highlighting the duality of love and pain. The narrator remembers the times when his parents were deeply in love, as well as the moments of intense conflict that ultimately led to their separation. The imagery of 'peregrinos' (pilgrims) moving from house to house suggests a sense of instability and searching for a place to belong. This metaphor captures the emotional journey of the family as they navigate the highs and lows of their relationships.

In the final verses, the song takes a more introspective turn, with the narrator expressing a desire to return to those days, despite the pain they brought. The line 'Mi padre también, mi padre era él' (My father too, my father was him) reveals the central figure of the song—the father—whose presence and absence have left a lasting imprint on the narrator's life. This closing revelation adds a layer of depth to the song, emphasizing the enduring impact of a father's love and the longing for a connection that was lost.