Amores Eternos

Joaquín Sabina's song "Amores Eternos" delves into the paradoxical nature of love that feels eternal yet is transient. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a passionate but short-lived romance, using rich imagery to convey the intensity and brevity of the relationship. The opening lines describe the lover as both natural and comfortable in her own skin, yet also hint at a sense of finality, as dressing her is likened to shrouding a corpse. This duality sets the tone for the song, suggesting a love that is both life-affirming and inevitably doomed.

Sabina reflects on the futility of trying to hold onto this fleeting love, likening it to unpacking the 'suitcases of forgetfulness.' The song's chorus reveals the bittersweet exchange between the lovers: his emotional investment for her affection and urgency. The phrase 'amores eternos' (eternal loves) is used ironically, as these loves last only as long as a 'short winter,' emphasizing the ephemeral nature of their passion. The song's imagery continues with remnants of the affair, such as a kiss left on a mirror and a yellowed photo, which serve as poignant reminders of what once was.

The final verse speaks to the lover's departure, driven by a desire for freedom and an aversion to the monotony of daily life. Sabina's use of the word 'pagana' (pagan) and the reference to a 'Monday without class' further illustrate her nonconformist spirit. The song ultimately acknowledges the deep impact of a brief love affair, one that leaves lasting memories and a yearning for the past, despite its inevitable end.