Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco released their first collaborative album, I Said I Love You First, in March 2025. The project explores different sides of love and heartbreak, offering a mix of intimate lyrics and modern production. One of the standout tracks is ‘Ojos Tristes’, a fresh take on the 1980s classic ‘El muchacho de los ojos tristes’.
Originally released in 1982, ‘El muchacho de los ojos tristes’ was performed by Spanish-British singer Jeanette and written by Manuel Alejandro. The song is a soft, melodic ballad that tells the story of a lonely young man who finds hope through love. Over the years, it’s become one of the most beloved and recognizable tracks in Spanish pop music.
In this new version, Gomez and Blanco—joined by The Marías—deliver a modern interpretation that stays true to the original’s emotional core while offering a fresh perspective. The track blends English and Spanish lyrics seamlessly and features updated production that respects the song’s nostalgic, melancholic feel.
According to LOS40 Spain, the collaboration came together after Gomez and Blanco attended a concert by The Marías, which sparked the idea to include a Spanish-language song on their album. Gomez shared that she specifically wanted María Zardoya on the track, noting that her voice was a perfect match for the song’s tone and emotion.
Bridging Generations
Their version of ‘El muchacho de los ojos tristes,’ now reimagined as ‘Ojos Tristes,’ is more than just a tribute to a Spanish pop classic—it also introduces the song to a new generation of listeners. By blending nostalgic elements from the original with a fresh, contemporary production, Gomez and Blanco have created a track that connects with both longtime fans of classic pop and today’s music audience alike.
‘Ojos Tristes’ English Lyrics
[Selena Gomez in English]
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
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
[María Zardoya & Selena Gomez]
The boy with the sad eyes Lives alone and needs love Like air, he needs to see me Like the sun, I need him too The boy with the sad eyes (That boy is sad) Has finally found a reason (I wanna hold him) To bring a smile to his gaze (And seize the night) With my kisses and my deep love
[María Zardoya]
Two years have passed And I still feel you in all my senses It used to be your eyes crying in autumn Now, it’s mine that do
[María Zardoya]
How things have changed, my love We were so happy, the two of us And now I cry, my God Sadness has awakened in me
[María Zardoya & Selena Gomez]
The boy with the sad eyes Lives alone and needs love Like air, he needs to see me Like the sun, I need him too The boy with the sad eyes (That boy is sad) Has finally found a reason (I wanna hold him) To bring a smile to his gaze (And seize the night) With my kisses and my deep love.
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