El Rey Enamorado

The song 'El Rey Enamorado' by Les Luthiers is a humorous and satirical piece that delves into the conflict between love and duty. The lyrics present a fictional scene from a play about King Henry VI, where the king is torn between his affection for a woman named Maria and his responsibilities as a monarch. The song is structured as a dialogue between the king and his jester, with the jester echoing the king's romantic declarations in a comedic fashion, often misinterpreting or humorously altering the king's words.

Throughout the song, the king expresses his deep love for Maria, questioning whether the cold crown is worth more than a single reflection of the sun in Maria's golden hair. This internal conflict highlights a classic theme in literature and drama: the struggle between personal desires and public duties. The king's humorous musings about whether to choose the throne or Maria, coupled with his reflections on the vanity of power as symbolized by a statue of himself, add layers of irony and critique to the narrative.

Les Luthiers, known for their comedic and musical performances, use this song to explore themes of love, power, and vanity through a blend of serious inquiry and light-hearted comedy. The juxtaposition of the king's earnest dilemmas with the jester's playful responses creates a rich, entertaining commentary on the absurdities of power and the universal pursuit of love. The song not only entertains but also invites the audience to reflect on the true value of personal happiness versus public obligations.