Soy Lo Prohibido (part. Natalia Lafourcade)

In the song "Soy Lo Prohibido," performed by Caetano Veloso featuring Natalia Lafourcade, the lyrics delve into the complexities of a forbidden love affair. The song's narrator describes themselves as an irresistible yet illicit presence in the life of their lover. They are the 'vicio' or vice that the lover cannot shake off, a fever that dominates their being. This metaphorical language paints a vivid picture of an intense, consuming passion that is both thrilling and tormenting.

The song further explores the duality of pleasure and punishment. The narrator is the 'noche de placer' (night of pleasure) and simultaneously the 'castigo' (punishment). This duality is evident in the lover's secret longing and the false intimacy they share with another. The lover dreams of the narrator even while in the arms of someone else, highlighting the emotional conflict and the clandestine nature of their relationship. The forbidden love is a source of new hope and excitement, yet it must remain hidden to preserve the lover's dignity.

Culturally, the song taps into themes of societal norms and personal desires. The narrator is the 'pecado' (sin) that brings new illusions of love, an adventure that helps the lover continue on their path. However, this love must be denied and kept secret, as it is a threat to the lover's social standing and self-respect. The repeated refrain 'Soy lo prohibido' (I am the forbidden) underscores the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. The song beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of a love that must remain in the shadows, a love that is both a blessing and a curse.