Feriante

Isabel Pantoja's song "Feriante" paints a vivid picture of a forbidden romance set against the backdrop of a lively feria, or fair. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is a 'Reina' (queen) and a man who is a 'feriante' (fairground worker or gypsy). These two characters come from different worlds, symbolized by their distinct roles and social statuses. The woman is about to get married, while the man roams the roads, embodying freedom and a nomadic lifestyle. Despite their differences, there is an undeniable attraction between them, and the woman yearns for a moment of passion and escape from her predetermined path.

The chorus of the song reveals the woman's deep desire to break free from her societal constraints. She pleads with the feriante to take her to the river and the countryside, where she can lose herself in the moment and forget her obligations. The imagery of the river and the white horse symbolizes purity and freedom, contrasting with the structured life she is expected to lead. The repetition of the word 'Feriante' emphasizes her longing and the intensity of her emotions.

However, the song takes a melancholic turn as the woman realizes that her desire is but a fleeting dream, a 'mal sueno' (bad dream) that cannot come true. The feria, with its lights and festivities, becomes a metaphor for the temporary and illusory nature of their connection. The 'ojos negros' (black eyes) of the feriante, described as 'candela' (candles), signify a burning passion that ultimately cannot be sustained. The song ends on a poignant note, with the woman returning to her reality, carrying the memory of this forbidden romance as a 'herida de luna' (moon wound), a beautiful yet painful reminder of what could have been.