Pirata literally means “pirate,” someone who sails the seas in search of treasure.
In the lyric "ese tesoro tiene pirata," J Balvin playfully calls himself the pirate who has already claimed the “treasure” (his lover’s heart). It’s a vivid, adventurous word that instantly sparks curiosity and paints a cinematic image, making it a memorable hook for Spanish learners.
J Balvin's "Rojo" is all about a powerful, maybe even telepathic, connection between two people. It's that feeling when you both know you want each other, even if you're pretending otherwise. He asks, "A quién le mientes si en tu soledad / Quieres verme otra vez" (Who are you lying to when in your loneliness / You want to see me again?). The song's core idea is this almost spooky timing: "Me decido por ti, te decides por mí / A la misma hora" (I decide for you, you decide for me / At the same time). It's a desire so strong it hits them both at once, usually late at night.
This isn't just a sweet romance; it's urgent and physical. Balvin gets straight to the point with lines like "Tres y cuatro de la mañana / Ven, mata estas ganas,vamos a llegarle a mi cama" (Three and four in the morning / Come, kill this craving, let's get to my bed). He knows it's a complicated relationship—they fight and grow distant—but the pull is too strong to ignore. He also sees himself as the only one who truly has her, calling himself a pirate for his treasure: "ese tesoro tiene pirata" (that treasure has a pirate). It's a bold claim, mixing intense passion with a fierce, protective love.