HETERO

Valentino's song 'HETERO' delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the struggles of identity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person deeply infatuated with someone who does not reciprocate their feelings, primarily due to their heterosexual orientation. The protagonist expresses a sense of longing and frustration, feeling out of place and yearning for a different reality where their love could be returned. This emotional turmoil is evident in lines like 'Me pregunto si fuera mujer tú estarías aquí conmigo?' (I wonder if I were a woman, would you be here with me?), highlighting the internal conflict and desire for acceptance.

The song also touches on themes of obsession and the desire for a different life. The protagonist dreams of being able to start over, to be born again in a different gender, just to have a chance at being with the person they love. This is poignantly expressed in the lines 'Quisiera volver a nacer bebé y volverte a conocer bebé' (I wish I could be born again, baby, and meet you again, baby). The repeated mention of 'HETERO' underscores the barrier that sexual orientation creates in their relationship, making the protagonist's dreams feel unattainable.

Cultural references and metaphors enrich the song's narrative. The mention of 'Grindr,' a popular dating app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, situates the song within a contemporary context, emphasizing the protagonist's search for connection and love. The playful yet poignant tone of the song, combined with Valentino's emotive delivery, makes 'HETERO' a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the pain of unfulfilled desires. The closing lines, which reference New Jersey as a place where 'everything is legal,' add a layer of escapism and fantasy, suggesting a longing for a world where societal norms and restrictions do not dictate who one can love.