La Española

Pedro Suárez-Vértiz's song "La Española" tells the story of a passionate and fleeting romance with a Spanish woman he met while traveling in Europe. The narrative begins with their encounter on a train, where her lively and talkative nature immediately captivates him. Her philosophy on life, which includes erasing sorrows with coffee, red wine, and open tabs, adds to her allure. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their intense connection, marked by dancing, undressing, and intimate moments in a hotel room. This whirlwind romance leaves a lasting impression on the narrator, who finds it impossible to forget her.

The song delves deeper into the character of the Spanish woman, revealing her upbringing and views on love. Her mother advised her to always be a woman in front of a man, a lesson she learned well. Her father, a great bullfighter, influenced her perspective on love, comparing it to the bullring where one must kill or be killed. This metaphor underscores her fearless and pragmatic approach to relationships. She loved the narrator but ultimately let him go, viewing love not as a trauma but as a mere souvenir. This detachment contrasts sharply with the narrator's lingering feelings of loneliness and madness without her.

"La Española" is a reflection on the complexities of love and the impact of a brief but intense relationship. The Spanish woman's free-spirited nature and the narrator's struggle with his emotions highlight the different ways people experience and cope with love. The song's vivid imagery and emotional depth make it a poignant exploration of passion, loss, and the longing for freedom.