La Malsentada
Antonio Aguilar
The Mockery of False Pretenses in 'La Malsentada'
The song 'La Malsentada' by Antonio Aguilar is a vibrant example of traditional Mexican music, often characterized by its storytelling and the use of metaphors to convey messages about society, relationships, and personal experiences. Aguilar, known for his contributions to ranchera music, uses humor and irony to describe a woman who has deceived him and others with her pretentious behavior.
The title 'La Malsentada' itself suggests a woman who is ill-seated or not well-regarded, hinting at her disreputable nature. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who thinks highly of herself, comparing her to 'the mother of the chicks' and a 'cake with jam,' implying she believes she is superior or more desirable than she actually is. The singer expresses his regret for having been fooled by her, admitting he adored her with all his heart and soul, only to realize she was not worth it. The song uses humor to mock the woman's rural origins, her attempts to appear more sophisticated, and her talkative nature, suggesting that her true character is far from the image she tries to project.
The repeated refrain '¡Y jajaja!' followed by various dismissive statements emphasizes the singer's mockery and decision to no longer plead or be affected by the woman's antics. He laughs at the situation and at her, ultimately telling her to leave, as he has the power to send women like her away. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pretense and dishonesty, using satire to criticize those who put on airs to seem more important or attractive than they are.