Dos Novias

Tabaré Cardozo's song 'Dos Novias' paints a vivid picture of a man named Bartolomé, who leads a double life with two fiancées. The song opens with a description of Bartolomé's suave appearance, complete with a white hat, patent leather shoes, and a flower in his lapel. His presence is so striking that it causes old women to hide their daughters when he passes by. This imagery sets the stage for Bartolomé's character as a charming yet deceitful man who captivates women with his smooth talk and hawk-like gaze.

The lyrics delve deeper into Bartolomé's life, revealing that he never commits to marriage, despite his romantic entanglements. He is described as a 'negro timador,' a black swindler, who seduces women but never walks down the aisle. The song humorously highlights the complications of his double life, noting that while one fiancée sighs, the other is out with him. Bartolomé's life is a constant juggling act, filled with romantic escapades and the challenges of keeping two women happy.

The chorus emphasizes Bartolomé's predicament, repeating that he has 'dos novias' (two fiancées) and 'dos suegras' (two mothers-in-law), which adds a layer of irony and humor to his situation. The song suggests that while Bartolomé's life may seem enviable, it is far from easy. He must constantly appease both women, offering each a flower and a love letter to keep them feeling cherished. The final lines of the song underscore the precariousness of his situation, noting that having two fiancées is a safeguard in case one forgets him. This duality in Bartolomé's life is both his blessing and his curse, making 'Dos Novias' a compelling narrative about love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships.