Cleopatra La Reina Del Twist
Fabiana Cantilo
Twisting Through Time: Cleopatra's Dance Between History and Pop Culture
The song "Cleopatra La Reina Del Twist" by Fabiana Cantilo is a playful and anachronistic portrayal of one of history's most iconic figures, Cleopatra, infused with the spirit of the twist dance craze of the 1960s. The lyrics whimsically imagine the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt as a fan of the twist, a dance that became a symbol of cultural change and youthful exuberance in the mid-20th century. By juxtaposing the ancient with the modern, Cantilo creates a humorous and irreverent narrative that breathes new life into the historical character of Cleopatra.
The song also touches on Cleopatra's relationships and her place in history, mentioning her love affair with Julius Caesar, who is humorously noted for not dancing the twist, and her political alliance with Mark Antony. The references to her baths in milk and fear of spray paint add a layer of absurdity, suggesting a contrast between her legendary beauty rituals and mundane modern concerns like acne. The mention of the 'sacred tablets' lying for her and the 'serpent's final kiss' alludes to the historical accounts of Cleopatra's death by snakebite, adding a touch of tragic fate to the otherwise lighthearted song.
Fabiana Cantilo, an Argentine rock singer, is known for her distinctive voice and her contributions to rock en español. Her music often incorporates elements of rock, pop, and folk, and she has a talent for storytelling through her lyrics. In "Cleopatra La Reina Del Twist," Cantilo's playful approach to songwriting invites listeners to consider the timeless fascination with Cleopatra's figure and how pop culture can reimagine historical narratives in fun and unexpected ways.