Romeo Y Julieta
Ricardo Arjona
Modern Love vs. Fairytale Fantasies in 'Romeo Y Julieta'
Ricardo Arjona's song 'Romeo Y Julieta' delves into the contrast between idealized love and the realities of modern relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who dreams of a fairytale romance, akin to the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet. She yearns for a 'príncipe azul' (Prince Charming) and believes in the purity and perfection of love as depicted in classic tales. However, the narrator, presumably Arjona himself, feels neglected and misunderstood as he tries to express his genuine feelings for her. He emphasizes that her expectations are unrealistic and rooted in fiction, making it difficult for her to appreciate the love he offers in the present day.
The song highlights the dissonance between romanticized ideals and the practicalities of contemporary love. Arjona suggests that while the woman is lost in her fantasies, she is missing out on the real, albeit imperfect, love that he is willing to provide. He contrasts the timeless, tragic love of Romeo and Juliet with the more grounded, everyday expressions of affection, such as 'correr en las calles' (running in the streets) and 'un beso en el parque' (a kiss in the park). These simple, yet meaningful gestures are presented as more attainable and sincere forms of love.
Arjona's lyrics also touch on the theme of time and the fleeting nature of youth. He urges the woman to live in the moment and embrace the love that is available to her now, rather than waiting for an unattainable ideal. The repeated refrain 'Este es el siglo veinte' (This is the twentieth century) serves as a reminder that clinging to outdated notions of romance can prevent one from experiencing the genuine connections that are possible in the present. Through 'Romeo Y Julieta,' Arjona invites listeners to reconsider their own expectations of love and to find beauty in the imperfect, real-life relationships that define our modern world.