Si Usted La Viera (El Confesor)
Ricardo Arjona
Love Beyond Judgment: The Confessor's Dilemma
Ricardo Arjona's song "Si Usted La Viera (El Confesor)" delves into the complexities of love and societal judgment. The narrative unfolds through a conversation between the protagonist and a confessor, presumably a priest, who advises against the protagonist's romantic involvement. The confessor warns that the protagonist's love is driving him to madness, neglecting his duties, and causing sleepless nights. Despite these admonitions, the protagonist remains steadfast, insisting that if the confessor could see his beloved, he would understand the depth and purity of his feelings.
The song is rich with metaphors and poetic imagery. The protagonist describes his beloved with reverence, comparing her to pure and delicate flowers like the azucena (lily) and verbena. Her beauty is likened to the refreshing rains of May, and her golden curls are enchanting spells he cannot live without. This idealization of the beloved elevates her to a near-divine status, challenging the confessor's initial skepticism. The protagonist's love is portrayed as something sacred and transcendent, worthy of admiration rather than condemnation.
In a twist, the protagonist shows the confessor a portrait of his beloved. The confessor, initially stern and disapproving, is captivated by her image, mistaking her for the Virgin of Sorrows. This moment of revelation leads the confessor to soften his stance, acknowledging her beauty and suggesting that if she is as good as she is beautiful, the protagonist's love is justified. The song concludes with the protagonist reiterating his plea: if only the confessor could see her, he would understand. This narrative highlights the tension between societal norms and personal emotions, ultimately suggesting that true love transcends judgment and prejudice.