No Te Mires En El Rio

The song 'No Te Mires En El Rio' by Concha Piquer is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of Seville, Spain. It tells the story of a young woman whose beauty is so great that even the roses are said to envy her. The recurring refrain, '¡Ay, ay, ay, ay!, no te mires en el río,' which translates to 'Oh, don't look at yourself in the river,' is a plea from her lover, who is consumed by jealousy, fearing that even the river could fall in love with her reflection.

The lyrics weave a tale of love and gifts, with the suitor bringing his beloved jewelry and tokens of affection, elevating her to the status of a queen. However, the song takes a tragic turn when one summer night, the lover finds that his beloved is not at her usual spot by the window. Instead, she is found dead in the river, the very object of his jealousy. The lover's fears are realized in the worst possible way, and his lament is palpable in the lines '¡Ay, que dolor, que dolor del amor mío!', expressing the deep pain of losing his love to the river.

Concha Piquer, known for her performances of traditional Spanish copla and flamenco songs, delivers this story with the emotive power characteristic of the genre. The song's narrative is a classic example of the themes of love, jealousy, and tragedy that are often explored in Spanish music and literature. The refrain and the tragic ending leave listeners with a sense of the destructive power of jealousy and the sorrow of love lost.