El Escapulario

Roberto Roena's 'El Escapulario' tells a poignant story of abandonment, love, and fate, woven into the fabric of a traditional Latin ballad. The song begins with the tale of a child, abandoned by his mother, who is taken in by a compassionate old woman. The only possession the child has is an escapulario, a religious object often associated with protection and devotion, which the old woman gives him as a symbol of her love and a safeguard against harm. The escapulario serves as a metaphor for the love and protection the old woman offers, which remains with the child throughout his life.

As the child grows into a man, he becomes a successful bullfighter and attracts the love of a marquise. However, upon learning of his humble origins, she rejects him. The song highlights the themes of social class and the fickle nature of love, contrasting the unconditional love of the old woman with the conditional love of the marquise. During a bullfight, distracted by the sight of the marquise, the man is fatally gored. As he dies, he hears the old woman's voice, reminding him of the escapulario and her enduring love. The song thus comes full circle, with the escapulario symbolizing the only true love he ever knew.

Roberto Roena, a prominent figure in salsa music, infuses 'El Escapulario' with the rhythms and emotional depth characteristic of the genre. The song's narrative and its delivery evoke a sense of tragedy and the harsh realities of life, while also celebrating the spiritual and emotional bonds that can transcend societal barriers and personal misfortune.