Malpaís

The song "Malpaís" by the Costa Rican band Malpais delves into themes of longing, memory, and the bittersweet nature of love lost. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is haunted by the memories of a past lover, indicated by the opening lines that speak of thinking 'bad things' and being filled with voices and memories. The reference to the lover's 'gypsy eyes' suggests a wild and free spirit that has left a lasting impression.

The setting of the song is a bar 'of the damned,' which could symbolize a place of refuge for those who are lost or in pain, perhaps due to love. The night calls out to the narrator, and in the darkness and delirium, there is a return to loving the 'girl' during low tide, which could be a metaphor for the low points in life or when emotions are at their ebb. The mention of 'bad words' of the body and the mortal sin of surrendering the soul suggests a deep and possibly forbidden passion that has ended poorly, as the saying goes, 'what starts badly, ends badly.'

The song's title, "Malpaís," translates to 'bad country' or 'badlands,' but it is also the name of a region in Costa Rica known for its natural beauty. This duality is reflected in the lyrics that describe Malpaís as a paradise where the sea lights up like a bonfire. It's a place of contrasts, where the path is both short and eternal, and where the truths and lies carried by the tide are left behind. The narrator is caught between waiting at the door of this Malpaís and not knowing whether they are coming or going, symbolizing the uncertainty and lingering hope in the aftermath of love. The red of the setting sun in Malpaís, burning the sky, leaves a lasting image of beauty and pain intertwined.