Cerrado Por Derribo

Joaquín Sabina's 'Cerrado Por Derribo' is a poignant song that delves into the themes of heartbreak, the passage of time, and the end of a relationship. The lyrics are rich with metaphor and imagery, painting a picture of a life and love that have both seen better days. Sabina uses everyday objects and scenarios to symbolize the feelings of loss and resignation that come with acknowledging the end of a romantic connection.

The song's title, which translates to 'Closed for Demolition,' sets the tone for the entire piece. It suggests that the singer's heart, much like a derelict building, is no longer fit for purpose and must be shut down. The lyrics are a series of vignettes that contrast the mundane with the profound, such as 'an office's bones returning home in a raincoat stained with loneliness.' These lines evoke the weariness of a love that has run its course and the solitude that follows. Sabina's voice, described as wrinkled, carries the weight of this desolation, emphasizing that the song may be his final farewell to a past lover.

The refrain 'No abuses de mi inspiración' ('Don't abuse my inspiration') and 'No acuses a mi corazón' ('Don't accuse my heart') is a plea for understanding and a declaration of vulnerability. Sabina acknowledges the wear and tear on his heart and creativity, asking not to be pushed beyond his limits. The song is a bittersweet adieu, recognizing that while the reasons for parting are plentiful ('Nos sobran los motivos'), the act of saying goodbye is still fraught with emotion.