Amalia Rosa
José Luis Rodríguez
The Dance of Love and Jealousy in 'Amalia Rosa'
The song 'Amalia Rosa' performed by José Luis Rodríguez, also known as 'El Puma', is a traditional Venezuelan folk song that has been covered by various artists over the years. The lyrics tell a story of love, jealousy, and playful competition, set against the backdrop of Venezuelan geography, from Maracaibo to La Guaira.
The repeated verses about two doves flying from Maracaibo and returning to La Guaira suggest a journey or a cycle, possibly representing the ups and downs of love and relationships. The chorus introduces us to four women—María, Rosa, Amalia, and Juana—each involved in a tangle of emotions over a ribbon, a symbol that could represent love or a romantic relationship. The playful fight over the ribbon and the resulting jealousy among the women are described in a light-hearted manner, indicating that the song might be about the complexities and competitiveness of love.
The final verses focus on Amalia Rosa, who is chosen by the narrator for her beauty and charm. The request to take a knife and open his side to see his heart 'pictured' next to hers is a dramatic metaphor for deep love and the desire to show one's true feelings. The song, with its catchy rhythm and vivid storytelling, captures the essence of Venezuelan culture and the universal themes of love and rivalry.