La Pava

Jorge Gamboa's song 'La Pava' is a charming and whimsical exploration of love, using the metaphor of turkeys to convey deep emotions and desires. The lyrics revolve around the narrator's wish to be a 'pavo enamorado' (a turkey in love) to live and be close to his beloved. This metaphorical use of turkeys adds a playful and endearing quality to the song, making the expression of love feel both innocent and heartfelt.

The song also tells a story of a female turkey ('pava') who cries day and night because she desires a male turkey ('pavito') who does not reciprocate her feelings. This narrative adds a layer of melancholy to the otherwise joyful tune, highlighting the universal theme of unrequited love. The repetition of the desire to be close to the beloved, whether in a garden of flowers or simply by their side, emphasizes the depth of the narrator's affection and longing.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a more hopeful tone, where the narrator expresses mutual love and joy with the 'pavita hermosa' (beautiful female turkey). The imagery of the turkeys singing to their little ones ('hijitos') suggests a happy and harmonious family life, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of love and togetherness. Gamboa's use of simple yet evocative language, combined with the cultural context of using turkeys as symbols, creates a vivid and relatable portrayal of love's trials and triumphs.