El Flechazo y La Secuela
Ricardo Arjona
The Arrow and the Aftermath: A Tale of Unrequited Love
Ricardo Arjona's song "El Flechazo y La Secuela" is a poignant narrative of unrequited love and the lingering feelings that follow a brief, yet impactful romantic encounter. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who falls deeply in love with a woman, symbolized by the daisy in her hair and the revealing dress she wears. His immediate infatuation is contrasted with his self-awareness of having nothing but his dreams, which he is willing to suspend in the clouds for her.
The song's chorus, 'El flechazo y la secuela,' which translates to 'The arrow and the aftermath,' metaphorically describes the initial moment of falling in love (the arrow) and the enduring emotional consequences that remain (the aftermath). Arjona's use of the phrase 'the kiss you gave me halfway' suggests an incomplete relationship, where the love was not fully reciprocated. The singer's acknowledgment that in stories of two, the one who loves less wins, reflects the painful truth of unbalanced affection in relationships.
The lyrics also express a sense of resignation and a plea for closure, as the protagonist asks for a crazy memory to be thrown in his face so he can move on. Yet, despite the desire to let go, he admits that his love persists. Arjona's storytelling is wrapped in a melancholic melody that complements the theme of enduring love and the struggle to overcome the memories of a love that was never fully realized.