Y Nos Dieron Las Diez
Joaquín Sabina
A Night of Passion and the Inevitability of Change
The song "Y Nos Dieron Las Diez" by Joaquín Sabina is a narrative ballad that tells the story of a fleeting romantic encounter and its nostalgic aftermath. The lyrics unfold a tale of a musician who, after a concert in a seaside town, meets a woman tending a bar. The initial interaction is flirtatious, with the promise of a song in exchange for a drink and the chance to gaze into her 'cat-like eyes.' The song captures the essence of a passionate, impromptu romance that blossoms over the course of a single night, marked by the repeated phrase 'Y nos dieron las diez y las once,' which indicates the passing of time until the early morning hours when they are found by the moonlight.
The second part of the song shifts to a year later when the singer returns to the town, hoping to reconnect with the woman. However, the bar where they met has been replaced by a bank, and no one remembers her. This change symbolizes the transient nature of life and relationships, and the pain of realizing that what was once a vivid memory is now a part of the past. The singer's emotional response leads to an act of vandalism against the bank, a futile attempt to reclaim the lost memory, which results in his arrest. The song concludes with the singer reflecting on the experience, suggesting that the song itself is born from this moment of longing and loss.
Joaquín Sabina is known for his poetic lyrics and storytelling, often weaving intricate tales of love, life, and politics into his music. His style blends elements of folk, rock, and flamenco, and his songs frequently explore themes of romance, bohemian lifestyles, and the passage of time. "Y Nos Dieron Las Diez" is a quintessential Sabina song, rich with vivid imagery and emotional depth, capturing a moment in time that is both personal and universal.
