Caramba, durmiendo

Victor Jara's song "Caramba, durmiendo" is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the pain of separation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lover who finds solace in dreams, where they can express their affection freely. The opening lines, "Durmiendo, te hago cariños, caramba, te abrazo, te abrazo y te doy mil besos," reveal a tender scene where the speaker showers their beloved with affection while they sleep. This dreamlike state is a refuge from the harsh reality of their absence.

The song takes a sorrowful turn when the speaker awakens to find their beloved gone, leading to a heart-wrenching realization: "cuando despierto y no te hallo, caramba, lágrimas, lágrimas son las almuerzo." The use of the word "caramba" adds an emotional exclamation, emphasizing the depth of their despair. The tears become a metaphor for the sustenance of their day, highlighting how the pain of separation permeates every aspect of their life.

Victor Jara, a renowned Chilean folk singer and political activist, often infused his music with deep emotional and social commentary. In "Caramba, durmiendo," he captures the universal experience of love and loss, making it relatable to anyone who has felt the sting of unrequited love or the ache of missing someone dear. The repeated assurances that the speaker's love is unique and not shared with another, "no creáis que con otra, caramba, yo hago lo mismo," underscore the sincerity and exclusivity of their feelings. The song's melancholic tone and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, evoking a sense of empathy and shared sorrow.