La Estrella

José Alfredo Jiménez's song 'La Estrella' is a poignant exploration of unattainable love and the inevitable sorrow that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a single star in the singer's sky, symbolizing a cherished love or aspiration that is slowly being obscured by the 'nube negra' or black cloud of misfortune. This metaphorical cloud represents the obstacles and hardships that prevent the singer from reaching or maintaining this love.

The repeated lament of '¿quién me lo manda?, poner los ojos en una estrella que está tan alta' underscores the futility and self-inflicted pain of longing for something beyond reach. The star, being 'tan alta' or so high, signifies an ideal or person that is unattainable, emphasizing the theme of unrequited love. The singer's destiny, as he sees it, is to never gaze upon this star again, highlighting a sense of predestined sorrow and resignation.

Jiménez's use of celestial imagery and the contrast between the bright star and the dark cloud creates a powerful emotional landscape. The star's gradual disappearance symbolizes the fading hope and the inevitable loss that the singer must come to terms with. This song resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the pain of loving someone or something that they can never truly have, making it a timeless piece of emotional expression.