Murmuran is the third-person plural of murmurar, meaning “to whisper” or “to murmur.” It instantly evokes the hush-hush gossip swirling around Selena’s amor prohibido.
In the lyric “Amor prohibido murmuran por las calles,” strangers are literally whispering through the streets about the couple’s forbidden love. The word’s soft, rolling sound mirrors the secretive whispers it describes, making it a vivid and memorable verb to learn.
This song tells a classic story of a love that everyone is against. Selena sings about a relationship that has people whispering on the streets, calling it an "Amor prohibido" [Forbidden love]. The reason for all the drama? As the lyrics say, "porque somos de distintas sociedades" [because we are from different societies]. It's not just strangers judging them; the singer knows their parents will disapprove too. But she doesn't care what anyone thinks, insisting that "Aquí sólo importa nuestro amor" [Here only our love matters].
The big difference between their "societies" comes down to money. The singer is direct about it, stating, "Aunque soy pobre, todo esto que te doy / Vale más que el dinero porque sí es amor" [Although I'm poor, everything I give you / Is worth more than money because it is love]. The song's main idea is that their connection is more valuable than wealth. For them, "El dinero no importa en ti ni en mi / Ni en el corazón" [Money doesn't matter to you or to me / Or to the heart].
Selena y Los Dinos was a groundbreaking Tejano band formed in 1981 in Lake Jackson, Texas by the iconic singer Selena Quintanilla and her father, Abraham Quintanilla. The group featured Selena's siblings A.B. Quintanilla on bass and Suzette Quintanilla on drums, blending Tejano, pop, and traditional rock to create their signature sound. Rising from humble beginnings performing at family gatherings and local events, they recorded several albums and gained a devoted following in Texas.
Their dynamic performances and Selena's captivating voice helped popularize Tejano music throughout the 1980s. After signing with EMI Latin, Selena launched a solo career while still touring with the band. Tragically, Selena's murder in 1995 ended the band’s journey, but their legacy lives on as pioneers who opened doors for Latin artists worldwide.