No me vuelvo a enamorar
River Plate
The Fierce Rivalry in Argentine Football: River Plate's Anthem of Loyalty and Defiance
The song "No me vuelvo a enamorar" by River Plate is not a traditional love song as the title might suggest, but rather an anthem of the football club's fans expressing their fierce rivalry with Boca Juniors, another major Argentine football club. The lyrics are filled with derogatory chants aimed at Boca Juniors, commonly referred to as 'bostero,' a term River Plate fans use to insult their rivals. The song mentions specific events that highlight the rivalry, such as Boca Juniors' fans leaving their stadium ('la Bombonera') less than full when playing against River Plate, and an incident where Boca fans allegedly ran away from a confrontation with River Plate fans ('los pibes') in the area known as 'el playón.'
The song also expresses the unwavering support of River Plate fans, known as 'Los Borrachos del Tablón,' for their team. They claim to follow River Plate wherever they go, indicating a deep passion that they describe as an incurable 'disease.' The fans take pride in their loyalty, contrasting themselves with Boca Juniors' fans, whom they accuse of disappearing during tough times. The lyrics also reject the idea of showing black flags ('trapos negros') as a sign of protest or surrender, a practice they attribute to their rivals.
Lastly, the song touches on the broader context of football culture in Argentina, criticizing the authorities such as 'castrili,' the committee, and the federal police for their lack of understanding of the fans' passion. The fans demand the right to bring their banners and drums into the stadiums, emphasizing the importance of their presence and support, whether playing at home ('de local') or away ('de visitante'). The song encapsulates the intense emotions and cultural significance of football in Argentina, where the sport goes beyond the game and becomes a way of life.