Meaning of "Perfidia" by Nat King Cole

The lyrics of "Perfidia" delve into the themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and the disillusionment of romantic love. The singer's heart cries out, using the word "Perfidia" to express their deep hurt and sense of betrayal. They had believed that they had found the love of their life, only to discover that this love was in the arms of someone else. The repetition of the word "Perfidia" emphasizes the pain and disappointment the singer feels.

The lyrics also highlight the echoing effect of the eyes, suggesting that the singer cannot escape the reminder of their lost love. The forgetfulness of the promise of love speaks to the pain of being replaced and seeing their love shared with another. The broken dreams referred to as a "broken melody" emphasize the shattered hopes and the loss of a harmonious connection with their love.

In the second verse, the lyrics introduce the idea of the Gods of love looking down and laughing at the romantic fools we mortals can be. This reflects the singer's realization that love can be fickle and unpredictable. It suggests that the singer now understands that their love was misplaced, and they were foolish to believe it was for the person they thought.

The repeated goodbye at the end reflects the finality of the situation. The singer accepts that their love was not meant to be and chooses to say goodbye to this love called "Perfidia." There is a sense of closure and acceptance in this farewell.

Overall, "Perfidia" explores the pain of unrequited love, the betrayal of trust, and the realization of misplaced feelings. The lyrics touch upon the universal experiences of heartbreak and the vulnerability of falling in love.