The Meaning Behind The Song: Sus Ojos Se Cerraron by Carlos Gardel
Title: Sus Ojos Se Cerraron
Artist: Carlos Gardel
Writer/Composer: Alfredo Le Pera & Carlos Gardel
Album: Tangos (L’Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse feat. conductor: Michel Plasson) (1992)
Released in the year 1935, “Sus Ojos Se Cerraron” is a captivating tango song that was featured in the film “El Día Que Me Quieras.” The lyrics, written by Alfredo Le Pera and Carlos Gardel, convey a profound sense of loss and heartbreak.
When translated to English, the title of the song means “Her Eyes Closed.” The lyrics tell a story of a lost love and the overwhelming pain that it brings. The song begins with the haunting lines:
Y el mundo sigue andando
Su boca que era mia
Ya no me besa mas
In these lines, Gardel laments the loss of his lover’s affection. He vividly describes how her eyes closed and her mouth no longer kisses him. The world continues to move forward, but his world has been shattered.
As the song progresses, Gardel mourns the loss of the tenderness and warmth that her hands once offered. He longs to shed tears but finds himself unable to find solace in them:
Dulzura de sus manos
Que dieron a mis penas
Caricias de bondad
Y ahora que la evoco
Hundido en mi quebranto
Las lagrimas trenzadas
Se niegan a brotar
Y no tengo el consuelo
De poder llorar…
The pain and sorrow in Gardel’s voice are palpable as he wonders why fate has taken away the love he cherished so deeply:
Por que esa mueca siniestra de la suerte…
Quise abrigarla y más pudo la muerte
Como me duele y se ahonda mi herida
The haunting melody and poignant lyrics of “Sus Ojos Se Cerraron” have resonated with audiences for decades. The song captures the universal experience of heartbreak, loss, and the longing for what is no longer attainable.
Personally, this song holds a special place in my heart. When I first heard it, I was going through a difficult breakup. The lyrics perfectly expressed the pain and emptiness I was feeling, and Gardel’s soulful voice brought those emotions to life.
Every time I listen to “Sus Ojos Se Cerraron,” I am transported back to that turbulent time in my life. The melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics remind me that I am not alone in my heartache. The song serves as a cathartic release, allowing me to confront my emotions and find comfort in the shared human experience of loss.
As the song draws to a close, Gardel acknowledges that well-meaning strangers may offer their sympathies, but their consolation feels empty and insincere:
Con su limosna de alivio a mi tormento
Todo es mentira, mentira es el lamento…
Hoy esta solo mi corazón…
Gardel’s heartfelt performance in “Sus Ojos Se Cerraron” reminds us that love and loss are universal experiences that transcend time and place. Through this song, he captures the raw emotions that come with the end of a relationship, allowing listeners to find solace and understanding in his words.
Whether we have experienced heartbreak ourselves or not, “Sus Ojos Se Cerraron” serves as a reminder of the power of music to touch our souls and provide solace in times of pain. It is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a song that empathizes with the sorrow in your heart, give “Sus Ojos Se Cerraron” a listen. Let the haunting melody and poignant lyrics fill your soul and remind you that you are not alone in your pain.
