Piel de Ángel (A Escondidas)

The song "Piel de Ángel (A Escondidas)" by Camilo Sesto is a poignant portrayal of a clandestine love affair. The lyrics speak of a relationship that must be kept hidden, with meetings that occur in secret from six to nine, suggesting a limited time frame where the lovers can be together. The repeated phrase 'A escondidas,' which translates to 'in secret' or 'on the sly,' emphasizes the covert nature of their love. The lovers find solace in a 'white bed like snow,' which serves as their sanctuary, a pure and untouched space amidst the deception.

Camilo Sesto's portrayal of this affair is filled with both passion and sorrow. The imagery of love in the shadows, only occasionally illuminated by the light of a cigarette, paints a picture of intimacy that is both intense and fleeting. The song also touches on the societal judgment they face, as their love is the subject of gossip among those who consider themselves perfect. This forbidden love is described as being 'prohibited to minors,' hinting at its potentially scandalous or taboo nature.

The emotional weight of the song is carried by the contrast between the thrill of the secret affair and the pain of having to hide it. The singer's soul vibrates and his body burns with desire, yet he must love 'like a coward,' in hiding. The term 'piel de ángel,' or 'angel's skin,' suggests an ethereal, almost divine quality to the lover's touch, elevating their connection beyond the sordid reality of their circumstances. Camilo Sesto delivers a narrative that is both romantic and tragic, capturing the complexity of a love that cannot be openly celebrated.