Matame Suavemente

Javier Calamaro's 'Matame Suavemente' is a poignant exploration of longing, escape, and the delicate balance between pain and desire. The song opens with a vivid image of a woman spilling paper on the bed, looking intensely into the narrator's eyes while biting her teeth. This scene sets a tone of tension and intimacy, suggesting a relationship fraught with emotional complexity. The mention of a dagger and a cross under the pillow adds a layer of danger and protection, symbolizing the duality of their connection—both harmful and sacred.

The chorus, with its plea to be taken to an 'ideal world,' reflects a deep desire to escape the harshness of reality. The narrator is willing to follow blindly, with closed eyes, indicating a profound trust or desperation. This yearning for an escape is further emphasized by the repeated supplication to be 'killed softly.' The phrase 'matame suavemente' (kill me softly) is a metaphor for a slow, gentle release from the pain of reality, suggesting that the narrator finds solace in the idea of a gradual, tender departure from their current state.

The second verse introduces the act of throwing a coin into a fountain, a traditional symbol of wishing for good fortune. This act of hope contrasts with the earlier imagery of danger, highlighting the narrator's internal conflict between hope and despair. The wish for a miracle to prevent their wandering soul from escaping down the wrong path underscores a fear of losing oneself completely. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the theme of escape and the desire for a gentle end, making 'Matame Suavemente' a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the complexities of love, pain, and the human need for an idealized refuge.