La Mariposa
Miguel Aceves Mejía
The Dance of Love and Longing in 'La Mariposa'
The song 'La Mariposa,' performed by Miguel Aceves Mejía, is a poignant expression of love and the pain that often accompanies it. The lyrics use the metaphor of a butterfly circling a rose to describe a lover's orbit around the object of their affection. Just as the butterfly is drawn to the rose's beauty but is hurt by its thorns, the protagonist of the song has been captivated and wounded by the gaze of their beloved. The imagery of the butterfly's flight and the rose's thorns effectively conveys the mixture of joy and suffering that love can bring.
In the second verse, the singer makes a solemn declaration, emphasizing that he has never before made such a promise to any other woman. This suggests a depth of feeling and commitment that is unique to this particular relationship. The comparison of the beloved to a dewdrop, which is kissed by the morning sun and then falls, adds a layer of fragility and transience to the love he feels, highlighting its preciousness and the urgency to cherish it.
The song concludes with a request for the beloved to accept a nameless flower as a token, symbolizing the singer's love. This gesture is an invitation for the beloved to understand and appreciate the depth of the protagonist's feelings. The repeated line about never having sworn such an oath to another woman reinforces the idea that this love is exceptional and transformative for the singer.