Perfidia
Ben E King Lyrics
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My heart cries out "Perfidia"
For I find you, the love of my life
In somebody else's arms
Your eyes are echoing "Perfidia"
Forgetful of the promise of love
You're sharing another's charms
With a sad lament my dreams are faded like a broken melody
While the gods of love look down and laugh
At what romantic fools we mortals be
And now, I know* my love was not for you
And so I take it back with a sigh
Perfidious one, Goodbye
With a sad lament my dreams are faded like a broken melody
While the gods of love look down and laugh
At what romantic fools we mortals be
And now, I know* my love was not for you
And so I take it back with a sigh
Perfidious one, goodbye
Goodbye
The song "Perfidia" by Ben E King is a heart-wrenching ballad about unrequited love. The lyrics speak to a deep sense of betrayal and heartbreak as the singer discovers that the love of his life is in someone else's arms. The word "perfidia" translates to "faithlessness" or "treachery" in English, setting the tone for the song's theme of untrustworthiness in matters of the heart.
The first stanza establishes the tone of the song, as the singer's heart cries out in pain at the betrayal he feels. The second stanza speaks to the forgetfulness of promises of love from the person he loves, as they share another's charms. The third stanza brings in the metaphorical image of broken dreams, likening them to a broken melody. The gods of love are seen as cruel and heartless, laughing at the romantic folly of mortals who risk everything for the elusive promise of love.
The final stanza brings the song full circle, as the singer realizes that his love was never meant for the person who betrayed him. He takes it back with a sigh and bids the "perfidious one" goodbye. The song ends on a melancholy note, as the singer is left to pick up the pieces of his shattered dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
To you
Addressing someone, possibly the love interest of the singer
My heart cries out "Perfidia"
The singer’s heart is filled with pain and disappointment due to the betrayal of their love interest
For I find you, the love of my life
In somebody else's arms
The singer discovers that their love interest is with someone else, possibly feeling cheated and heartbroken
Your eyes are echoing "Perfidia"
The artist believes that their love interest is showing some level of betrayal or deceit in their actions through their eyes
Forgetful of the promise of love
You're sharing another's charms
The love interest has forgotten their promise of love and is now sharing their romantic gestures with someone else
With a sad lament my dreams are faded like a broken melody
While the gods of love look down and laugh
At what romantic fools we mortals be
The singer is sad and their dreams of a perfect romance have been shattered, while the powers of love seem to mock their foolishness and naivety
And now, I know* my love was not for you
And so I take it back with a sigh
Perfidious one, Goodbye
The singer realizes that their love was misplaced and they need to say goodbye to their deceitful love interest who has betrayed them
Goodbye
The artist bids farewell to the person who has caused them pain and heartache
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ALBERTO DOMINGUEZ, MILTON LEEDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Benn
WOW
Wonderful version of a great latin tune sung by one of the finest male vocalists of all time.
From a 71yo Aussie fan.
Arthur Lewis
This is great
Alan Burton
I was a disc jockey and musician starting in the mid 60’s. I thought I knew every record from that era but somehow this one escaped me until I caught it on a Spotify mix in January of 2023. I am speechless. It is beyond amazing.
Not since mcArthur Park in 1968 have I been so impressed.
Bill Bodger
My wife’s favourite song and one of mine ,love swing beat and what a voice top class
aum printers Aumprinters
A masterpiece