Tesoro

Enrique Bunbury's song 'Tesoro' delves into the complexities of human ambition, the burden of dreams, and the disillusionment that often accompanies the pursuit of material and emotional treasures. The lyrics open with a sense of being overwhelmed by the 'height' or magnitude of one's aspirations, which 'diminishes' the narrator. This metaphorical height represents the lofty goals and dreams that seem unattainable, causing a mental block where ideas get 'stuck' and pile up in the narrator's 'treasure,' a symbolic repository of unfulfilled desires and ambitions.

The recurring imagery of blood-stained dreams suggests a sense of sacrifice and loss. The narrator mentions that they have colored their dreams with blood, indicating that the pursuit of these dreams has come at a significant personal cost. This sacrifice has led to a state where nothing sacred or pure brings joy anymore. The use of 'blood' as a color for dreams also hints at the violence and intensity of the narrator's efforts, further emphasizing the theme of disillusionment.

The song also touches on the commodification of happiness. The narrator speaks of obtaining a smile if it can be bought, adding it to their collection of 'favorites' in their treasure. This line critiques the idea that happiness and emotional fulfillment can be purchased or accumulated like material possessions. The treasure, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the hollow accumulation of both material and emotional 'goods' that ultimately fail to bring true satisfaction. Bunbury's poignant lyrics and melancholic tone invite listeners to reflect on the true cost of their ambitions and the emptiness that can accompany the relentless pursuit of success.