Que Hay De Malo
Jerry Rivera
The Heart's Defiance: Jerry Rivera's 'Que Hay De Malo'
Jerry Rivera's 'Que Hay De Malo' is a poignant ballad that delves into the pain and defiance of a young love faced with disapproval. The song's narrative centers around a protagonist whose love is being rejected by the father of the person he loves. The father believes that the protagonist is not a suitable match and has forbidden his daughter from even mentioning the young man's name. Despite the suffering this causes both lovers, the father seems to find satisfaction in keeping them apart.
The lyrics repeatedly question what is wrong with the protagonist's feelings and actions. 'Que Hay De Malo' translates to 'What's Wrong With That?' and the song's chorus emphasizes the innocence and purity of the protagonist's love. He expresses a desire to give his beloved a flower, to live for her, and to create a world of love just for the two of them. The song suggests that the father may have never experienced such a profound love himself, and therefore cannot understand the depth of the protagonist's emotions. The repeated questioning of what is wrong with loving, dreaming, laughing, and being young serves as a rhetorical device to challenge societal norms and the father's authority.
The song is rich with themes of youthful love, rebellion against parental control, and the universal right to experience love and happiness. Rivera's emotive delivery and the song's romantic melody resonate with anyone who has ever been told their love is not acceptable for reasons beyond their control. 'Que Hay De Malo' is not just a love song; it's a statement about the right to love freely and the resilience of the human heart in the face of opposition.