Usted

Ricardo Arjona's song 'Usted' is a passionate exploration of a clandestine love affair, filled with the complexities and contradictions that often accompany secret relationships. The lyrics convey a deep emotional connection to the subject of the song, referred to as 'Usted,' which translates to 'You' in English. The use of the formal 'Usted' instead of the more intimate 'tú' adds a layer of respect, distance, or secrecy to the relationship, suggesting that the love may be forbidden or socially unacceptable.

The song oscillates between the pain and pleasure that the singer experiences in this relationship. Phrases like 'Usted me hace daño' (You hurt me) and 'Usted me da vida' (You give me life) illustrate the duality of emotions that the singer feels. The lover is depicted as both a destroyer and a savior, highlighting the intensity and volatility of their connection. The repeated lines 'Que bonito es decir / Que soy solo de usted' (How beautiful it is to say / That I am only yours) emphasize the exclusivity and devotion the singer feels, despite the challenges of their love.

Arjona's lyrics also touch on the allure of a love that is 'clandestino y de trinchera' (clandestine and from the trenches), suggesting that the secrecy and obstacles they face make the relationship even more compelling. The song captures the essence of a love that is deeply personal and hidden from the world, where even the smallest gestures like a furtive kiss or a casual caress become significant and cherished in the context of their concealed affair.