De Contrabando Lyrics in English by Jenni Rivera
Contrabando literally translates to "contraband," referring to goods that are imported or exported illegally. It’s a dramatic and intriguing word that you wouldn't expect to hear in a song about a relationship.
In this track, Jenni Rivera uses it as a powerful metaphor for a secret, forbidden love affair. She sings about seeing her lover de contrabando (like contraband), highlighting the hidden and illicit nature of their romance. This clever usage gives the song a sense of danger and excitement.
Have you ever wanted something so badly you'd be willing to break the rules for it? In this song, Jenni Rivera lays all her cards on the table for someone who is already in a relationship. She knows it's a bold move, admitting, "disculpa el atrevimiento, pero / Es que me gustas mucho desde hace tiempo" (excuse my boldness, but / I've liked you for a long time). She doesn't ask him to leave his partner; instead, she proposes a secret love affair.
The whole song is a list of promises she makes to keep their relationship completely hidden. She offers to see him "de vez en cuando, de contrabando" (from time to time, like contraband), a brilliant way to describe a forbidden and smuggled love. She promises not to be demanding, not to leave evidence like a lipstick stain on his shirt, and even to act indifferent in public. All she asks in return is that he loves her, even if it's just in these stolen moments. The song ends with her putting the ball in his court: "So, ¿qué dices?" (So, what do you say?).
