Ni por mil puñdos de oro

José Luis Perales' song "Ni por mil puñados de oro" is a poignant reflection on the irreplaceable value of a mother's love and the deep regret that comes with losing it. The lyrics convey a profound sense of loss and sorrow, as the narrator laments the death of his mother. The opening lines, "Se me destroza el corazón en mil pedazos" (My heart is shattered into a thousand pieces), immediately set a tone of deep emotional pain. The imagery of feeling as lonely as a feather in the air underscores the narrator's sense of isolation and despair.

The song delves into the theme of regret, particularly the regret of not appreciating one's mother while she was alive. The narrator admits to having been preoccupied with worldly pleasures, neglecting the importance of his mother's love and presence. The line "Por que Diosito se llevó a mi pobre madre" (Why did God take my poor mother) expresses a sense of helplessness and questioning of fate. The repeated assertion that a mother's love cannot be bought with money, "Porque una madre no se compra con dinero," highlights the invaluable and irreplaceable nature of maternal affection.

Perales' lyrics also emphasize the enduring nature of a mother's love, which extends until her death. The narrator's tears are described as being of "carne viva" (raw flesh) and "sangre viva" (live blood), indicating the intense, visceral pain of his loss. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing loved ones while they are still with us, as the narrator's realization comes too late. The emotional weight of the song is amplified by Perales' heartfelt delivery, making it a touching tribute to mothers everywhere.