What does 'Ojos Tristes' mean? Selena Gomez's romantic 'Ojos Tristes' lyrics translated into English
27 March 2025, 15:45
Here's an English translation of Selena Gomez's 'Ojos Tristes' lyrics with The Marías and the Spanish song it samples.
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Selena Gomez has put out another Spanish banger but what do her 'Ojos Tristes' lyrics mean and who features on it?
Fans of Selena Gomez will already know that the star has a long history with Spanish music. As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Selena has often honoured her Latinx heritage by releasing Spanish versions of her songs. In 2021, Selena released her debut Spanish-language EP, Revelacíon, and earned her first Grammy nomination.
Selena's new Benny Blanco collab album I Said I Love You First is predominantly recorded in English but there is one notable Spanish song. 'Ojos Tristes' is sung predominantly in Spanish and features vocals from a Puerto Rican star.
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Who features on Selena Gomez's 'Ojos Tristes'?
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What are Selena Gomez's 'Ojos Tristes' lyrics about?
'Ojos Tristes' translates to 'sad eyes' in English. The song is a modern interpretation of the Spanish hit 'El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes' by Spanish star Jeanette. Selena and Benny co-wrote their take with The Marías and the band actually feature on the song. That's The Marías lead singer María Zardoya who starts singing in the chorus.
In the chorus, Maria and Selena sing: The boy with the sad eyes / Lives alone and needs love / Like the air, he needs to see me / Like the sun, I need him / The boy with the sad eyes (That boy is sad) / Has finally found a reason (I wanna hold him) / To make his gaze laugh (And seize the night) / With my kisses and my great love.
Who is Selena Gomez's 'Ojos Tristes' about?
In a track by track commentary for I Said I Love You First, Selena revealed: "Benny and I went on a date to go see The Marías. He introduced me to a whole new artist and what she does it's just beautiful. I was trying to do a song in Spanish for each of my albums and i just thought she has the perfect tone for this"
Selena's English verse is about breaking up with someone so it's unlikely that her take on 'Ojos Tristes' was inspired by her relationship with Benny. However, it's clearer that they bonded over the song and their love of The Marías.
Selena Gomez, benny blanco - Ojos Tristes (Official Lyric Video)
Petition for Selena Gomez and The Marías to record a collab album.
Selena Gomez - 'Ojos Tristes' lyrics English translation
VERSE 1: Selena Gomez
No, it's not hard to see
That you probably feel worse than me
It's not your fault I have to leave
Please don't you look that way, baby
PRE-CHORUS: Selena Gomez
Those sad eyes, sad eyes
You know I don't wanna say goodbye
Don't cry, don't cry
Just hold me for one last time
CHORUS: María Zardoya & Selena Gomez
The boy with the sad eyes
Lives alone and needs love
Like the air, he needs to see me
Like the sun, I need him
The boy with the sad eyes (That boy is sad)
Has finally found a reason (I wanna hold him)
To make his gaze laugh (And seize the night)
With my kisses and my great love
VERSE 2: María Zardoya
Two years have passed
I still think of you in every way
Before, your eyes were raining in autumn
And now they're mine
PRE-CHORUS: María Zardoya
How he changed, love
Happy we were both
And now I cry, for God's sake
Sadness dawned within me
CHORUS: María Zardoya & Selena Gomez
The boy with the sad eyes
Lives alone and needs love
Like the air, he needs to see me
Like the sun, I need him
The boy with the sad eyes (That boy is sad)
Has finally found a reason (I wanna hold him)
To make his gaze laugh (And seize the night)
With my kisses and my great love
OUTRO: María Zardoya & Selena Gomez
La-da-da-da, da-da, da-da, da-da
La-da-da-da, da-da, da-da, da-da
La-da-da-da, da-da, da-da, da-da
La-da-da-da, da-da, da-da, da-da
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