Ten Cuidado

Rocío Durcal's song 'Ten Cuidado' is a poignant warning about the fleeting and often painful nature of love. The recurring imagery of writing a name in wet sand, only for the sea to wash it away, serves as a powerful metaphor for the impermanence of romantic promises and the ease with which they can be erased. This visual sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the transient and sometimes deceptive nature of love.

The lyrics caution against the dangers of falling too deeply and too quickly in love. Durcal warns that some loves can cause immense suffering, inflicting wounds that hurt the soul and can even feel fatal. The repeated calls for caution ('Cuidado! Peligro!') highlight the urgency and seriousness of her message. She advises keeping a cool head and being wary of grand promises, as they often lead to heartbreak. This advice is particularly poignant in a world where romantic ideals are often glorified, reminding listeners to stay grounded and protect their hearts.

Durcal also touches on the allure of physical beauty and the superficiality that can accompany it. She warns that a very attractive person may not be reliable, as they are often inundated with attention and offers, making them prone to leaving quickly. The metaphor of love as a 'bichito' (little bug) that bites slowly but can be deadly underscores the insidious and potentially harmful nature of love. This song serves as a sobering reminder to approach love with caution and awareness, recognizing its potential to bring both joy and pain.