La Tienda
Vicente Fernández
Unveiling the Metaphors in Vicente Fernández's 'La Tienda'
Vicente Fernández, known as 'El Rey de la Música Ranchera,' has a reputation for his emotive performances and profound lyrics that often delve into themes of love, loss, and passion. 'La Tienda' is no exception, as it uses vivid metaphors to convey a message about desire and jealousy.
The song begins with a warning to a man to be cautious and not neglect his partner, using the metaphor of a 'capilla' (chapel) and 'santo' (saint) to represent the woman as a sacred and coveted figure. The lyrics suggest that there are many 'fieles' (faithful) who wish to 'rezarle' (pray to) the saint, implying that there are other men who desire her attention. Fernández describes himself as one of these 'lobos hambrientos' (hungry wolves), indicating his own longing and the potential threat he poses to the complacent partner.
The chorus, 'El que tenga tienda que la atienda' (He who has a store should tend to it), serves as a cautionary reminder that if one does not take care of what they have, they risk losing it to someone else. The song continues with the metaphor of a 'canasta' (basket) and 'carne' (meat), suggesting that even if the 'meat' is dry, temptation can lead even the most virtuous to 'sin.' This metaphor reinforces the idea that neglect can lead to infidelity. 'La Tienda' is a complex interplay of metaphors that speaks to the universal themes of desire, the fear of infidelity, and the importance of cherishing and protecting one's relationship.