El Higuerón

The song "El Higuerón" by Binomio de Oro de América, a vallenato group from Colombia, tells a story of heartache and longing rooted in a specific place, beneath a fig tree, which serves as the setting for a lost romance. The lyrics express the pain of the singer as he pleads with his beloved not to let him die of sorrow, as he is left to suffer after their separation. The repetition of the phrase "debajo del higueron" (beneath the fig tree) emphasizes the significance of this location as a witness to their love and now to his heartbreak.

The song also includes a metaphorical reference to two bunches of carnations beneath the fig tree, symbolizing the love that must be cared for, lest it be lost. This imagery suggests that love is delicate and requires attention, and the singer is lamenting the neglect that has led to his current state of despair. The adage mentioned in the song, "que el que no cela no quiere" (he who does not get jealous does not love), reflects a cultural belief about the expression of love and the fear of indifference leading to the end of a relationship.

The latter part of the song shifts to a more conversational tone, where the singer describes how the woman has him completely enthralled, using colloquial expressions to convey his emotional turmoil. Despite the pain, he remains hopelessly in love, indicating a complex emotional state where love and suffering are intertwined. The playful nature of the music, typical of vallenato, contrasts with the sorrowful lyrics, creating a poignant narrative of love and loss.