El cuando

Rolando Alárcon's song 'El cuando' is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the longing for reciprocation. The lyrics, set against the backdrop of a colonial-era dance, evoke a sense of timelessness and universality in the emotions expressed. The singer is deeply affected by the disdainful gaze of their beloved, describing it as a powerful, almost magical force that no remedy can soothe. This metaphor of the 'hechicera' (sorceress) highlights the enchanting yet painful nature of unreturned affection.

The recurring question '¿Cuándo, cuándo, cuándo, mi vida, cuándo?' (When, when, when, my life, when?) serves as a haunting refrain throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's impatience and desperation for a moment of mutual love and happiness. The imagery of a 'feliz mañana' (happy morning) where they are served chocolate in bed together paints a vivid picture of domestic bliss and intimacy that the singer yearns for but has yet to experience. This dream of a simple, shared moment underscores the depth of the singer's desire for a loving relationship.

Despite the common saying that patience can achieve anything, the singer laments that no amount of patience has brought them closer to their beloved's heart. This sentiment captures the frustration and helplessness often felt in the face of unrequited love. Alárcon's use of traditional dance and colonial references adds a layer of cultural richness to the song, connecting personal emotions with broader historical and social contexts. The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone resonates with anyone who has ever waited for love to be returned.