Ojos Verdes

The song 'Ojos Verdes' by Concha Piquer is a classic example of Spanish copla, a genre known for its emotive storytelling and often dramatic themes. The lyrics of 'Ojos Verdes' tell a tale of a fleeting and passionate encounter between the narrator, a woman presumably working in a brothel ('mansebía'), and a man with captivating green eyes. The song opens with the woman watching the night come alive in May, a month often associated with spring and renewal, as men pass by her until one stops at her door. The exchange between them is charged with sensuality and innuendo, as she invites him to take the 'fire' from her lips.

The chorus emphasizes the mesmerizing quality of the man's green eyes, comparing them to fresh basil, green wheat, and the tartness of a green lemon. These vivid images evoke a sense of freshness, vitality, and perhaps a hint of danger, as green is also the color of envy and jealousy. The eyes are described as having the 'shine of knives,' suggesting an intensity that has left a permanent mark on her heart. The narrator expresses that after this encounter, nothing else in the world holds any allure for her; only the memory of those green eyes remains, overshadowing the sun, stars, and moon.

As the song progresses, we learn that their time together ends with the dawn. The man offers her a gift, which she refuses, indicating that the experience itself was more valuable than any material possession. He leaves, and she is left with a bittersweet taste of mint and cinnamon, metaphors for the exotic and spicy memory of their night together. The song concludes with the narrator lamenting that she has never again lived a night as beautiful as that May evening. 'Ojos Verdes' is a poignant portrayal of a brief, yet unforgettable romantic encounter that continues to haunt the narrator long after it has ended.