Nro. 2 En Tu Lista
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
The Heartache of Being Second Best
The song "Nro. 2 En Tu Lista" by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, a renowned Argentine ska and rock band, tells a story of unrequited love and the pain of feeling inadequate. The lyrics depict a man who returns home early, disappointed that the woman he loves has chosen someone else over him. The other man is portrayed as being more successful and appealing to her family, particularly her father, who finds him to be a more suitable match.
The protagonist laments his own shortcomings, acknowledging that his drunkenness and poor singing voice may have contributed to the unfavorable impression he made. The repeated lines about the father laughing and the 'maldito novio' (damn boyfriend) talking about himself highlight the protagonist's sense of defeat and exclusion. He feels that he cannot compete with the other man's good qualities and the approval he receives from the woman's family.
Despite the melancholic tone, the song also captures a moment of intimacy and connection, as the protagonist recalls a night when he felt loved by the woman. This memory serves as a bittersweet contrast to his current situation, where he is left to grapple with the reality that he is not her first choice. The song's narrative is a poignant reflection on love, competition, and the struggle to measure up to societal expectations and personal desires.