Ni el Clavel, Ni la Rosa
Leonardo Favio
The Luminous Essence of Love in 'Ni el Clavel, Ni la Rosa'
Leonardo Favio's 'Ni el Clavel, Ni la Rosa' is a poetic exploration of the transformative power of love. The song begins with the singer expressing a sense of darkness within his soul, which is immediately dispelled when he leans in to kiss his beloved, bringing light and tender words to his lips. This moment of affection is a revelation to him, a clear indication that what he is experiencing is indeed love.
The lyrics continue to describe the sensory experiences associated with love, such as the scent of his beloved's hair, which reminds him of lemon blossoms, and the discovery of heaven in her gaze. The song's chorus emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of love, declaring that nothing else matters—not the carnation, nor the rose, nor even the passing of spring—when compared to the joy of being loved in return. The singer proclaims his feelings to the world, equating his beloved with the sun and stating that without her presence, even the air he breathes offers no relief.
Favio's song is not just a declaration of love, but a testament to its overwhelming influence on one's perception of the world. The singer finds traces of his beloved in the laughter of children and feels that love encompasses everything, even pleasures yet unknown to him. The repetition of the phrase 'Esto es el amor' (This is love) serves as a mantra, reinforcing the idea that love is an all-consuming, life-altering force that redefines one's existence and priorities.