Rubí
Babasónicos
Decoding the Allure of 'Rubí' by Babasónicos
The song 'Rubí' by the Argentine rock band Babasónicos is a poetic exploration of desire and attraction. The lyrics convey a sense of enchantment and the irresistible pull of a romantic interest, likened to a talisman—a symbol of magical allure. The song's narrator describes the object of their affection in vivid, sensory detail, suggesting a deep and intoxicating infatuation.
The repeated references to 'tu aliento carmesí' (your crimson breath) and 'fumar de tu rubí' (smoking from your ruby) evoke a rich, visual and olfactory imagery, painting the love interest as both exotic and intoxicating. The use of 'flor de lis' (fleur-de-lis) alongside these images adds a touch of elegance and nobility, suggesting that the person they are singing about is not just attractive but also regal and rare. The phrase 'beberte a gotas' (drink you in drops) implies a desire to savor the experience slowly, indicating a deep appreciation and longing for every moment with the beloved.
The song also touches on themes of time and perception. The line 'A tu lado retrocede el tiempo' (Time recedes by your side) suggests that being with this person makes time stand still or even reverse, highlighting the timeless nature of their connection. The narrator's self-assuredness in romance, as expressed in 'El cuerpo hecho a medida del romance' (The body made to measure for romance), adds a layer of confidence to the otherwise dreamy and ethereal lyrics. Overall, 'Rubí' is a celebration of love's power to captivate and transform, wrapped in a melody that's as mesmerizing as the talisman it describes.