La Valentina
Jorge Negrete
The Bold Declaration of a Passionate Heart
The song "La Valentina" performed by Jorge Negrete, a celebrated figure in the Mexican music scene, is a traditional folk song that has been covered by various artists over the years. The lyrics of the song express a deep and consuming passion that the protagonist has for a woman named Valentina. This passion is so intense that it compels him to declare his feelings openly, despite the dangers that may come from such a confession.
The song's narrative suggests that the protagonist's love for Valentina is well-known and that there are threats against his life because of this love affair. The lines "Dicen que por tus amores / La vida me han de quitar" indicate that others are willing to kill him for his relationship with Valentina. However, he remains defiant, stating that he is capable of fighting back, showing his bravery and the depth of his commitment.
The repeated verses about drinking tequila and jerez (sherry) and the potential of not being seen the next day could be a metaphor for living in the moment and the transient nature of life. The protagonist seems to be saying that if his life is at risk because of his love for Valentina, he would rather face death than live without expressing his true feelings. The song, therefore, is a bold declaration of love and a testament to living fearlessly in the face of danger.