Vallenato is a popular genre of folk music from Colombia, and the signature style of artist Carlos Vives. It's a word you won't find in a typical Spanish textbook, making it a unique gem to learn!
In the song, he sings about a kiss that reaches the soul, "Como un vallenato de esos viejos que nos gustaban" (Like one of those old vallenatos that we used to like). This beautiful comparison links the feeling of a perfect kiss to the nostalgia and deep emotion of a beloved, classic song, adding a rich layer of cultural meaning.
This song is a classic tale of someone who has been in love with a friend for years but has been too shy to say anything. Carlos Vives and Sebastian Yatra sing about finally getting the courage to make a move. For years, he's been finding ways to trick his own heart, admitting, "Son muchos años que pasaron sin decir te quiero / Y en verdad te quiero" (Many years have passed without saying I love you / And I really do love you). He's kicking himself for all the missed opportunities, for the times he couldn't find the words and just said nothing.
Now, he's ready to risk it all for just one kiss. He's not just asking for it; he wants to "robarte un beso" (steal a kiss from you), and he doesn't mind being a thief to get it. He compares the feeling he's chasing to "un vallenato de esos viejos que nos gustaban" (one of those old vallenatos that we used to like), a nod to the classic Colombian folk music that Carlos Vives is famous for. He's pretty sure she feels the same way, telling her, "Sé que sientes mariposas, yo también sentí sus alas" (I know you feel butterflies, I also felt their wings). The whole song is his big, romantic plea to finally turn a long friendship into something more.