Pasodoble, Te Quiero
Pimpinela
A Love Letter to Pasodoble: Celebrating Spanish Heritage
Pimpinela's song "Pasodoble, Te Quiero" is a heartfelt tribute to the traditional Spanish dance and music form known as the pasodoble. The lyrics, sung by the duo Lucía and Joaquín, paint a vivid picture of the pasodoble's origins and its deep cultural significance. The song begins by describing the birth of the pasodoble, with poetic imagery of a guitar and castanets, and a mythical baptism attended by the Sun, the Moon, and the entire Albaicín, a historic neighborhood in Granada, Spain. This sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines history, folklore, and personal sentiment.
The pasodoble is portrayed as a symbol of Spanish identity, with its roots in both Christian and Romani (Calé) traditions. The lyrics mention a witch and Undivé, a Romani deity, adding a mystical layer to the pasodoble's heritage. This blend of cultural elements underscores the pasodoble's unique position in Spanish culture, embodying both the valor of bullfighters and the grace of flamenco. The repeated refrain, "Pasodoble, te quiero," emphasizes the deep emotional connection the singers have with this musical form, which they carry in their hearts even when far from home.
The song also explores the pasodoble's relationships with other traditional Spanish dances like the Sevillana, Bulería, Petenera, and Soleá. These dances are personified as brides, dressed in white, who join the pasodoble in a celestial union blessed by the King of Coplas, another traditional Spanish song form. This imagery elevates the pasodoble to a regal status, living joyfully in a palace among the clouds. The song concludes with a poignant reminder of the pasodoble's power to evoke memories of Spain, serving as a comforting link to the singers' homeland when they are abroad. Through its rich storytelling and evocative imagery, "Pasodoble, Te Quiero" celebrates the enduring legacy and emotional resonance of this quintessentially Spanish art form.