Frutas y Verduras

Olegario Mena's song "Frutas y Verduras" is a playful and metaphor-rich exploration of a romantic relationship, using fruits and vegetables as symbols to convey emotions and experiences. The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and cultural references that paint a vivid picture of love, jealousy, and heartbreak.

The song begins with the narrator addressing their former lover, expressing that their love was genuine and not to be underestimated. The use of terms like "ayote" (squash) and "guaba" (a type of fruit) adds a layer of humor and relatability, as these words are often used in colloquial speech in certain Latin American cultures. The narrator reminisces about the two years they spent together, describing their love as being as sweet as a mango and as sincere as a chiverre (a type of squash).

As the song progresses, the narrator reveals feelings of jealousy and insecurity, using more fruit and vegetable metaphors to describe their emotions. They felt like a "zapallo" (pumpkin) sitting on a "papa" (potato), imagining their lover's infidelity. The playful language continues as the narrator describes their lover as a "repollo" (cabbage) desired by many, and themselves as a "palmito" (heart of palm) who eventually had to "pelé las guayabas" (peel the guavas), a phrase that implies facing the truth or reality.

In the final verses, the narrator acknowledges that their former lover has moved on, comparing them to a "piña" (pineapple) with another "aguacate" (avocado). The song ends on a note of resignation and acceptance, with the narrator advising the new partner to treat their former lover well, using the metaphor of "pelas tus dientes de elote" (peel your corn teeth) to suggest being careful and respectful. Through its creative use of language and cultural references, "Frutas y Verduras" offers a unique and entertaining take on the complexities of love and relationships.