Heartbreak Song Gone Wrong - La Camisa Negra by Juanes
In 2004, Juanes released his album Mi Sangre which contained the song “La Camisa Negra” (The Black Shirt).
What is This Song About?
Long story short, it’s about heartbreak. Throughout the song, Juanes declares “tengo la camisa negra” (I’m wearing the black shirt) as a way to symbolize that his love is deceased. The lyrics are cold-hearted and ruthless. Juanes recounts his downward spiral in a really artsy fartsy way which I love. My favorite lyrics translate to
“For I drank the malevolent poison of your love
I stayed dying and filled with hurt
I breathed in the bitter smoke of your goodbye
and since you left, I’m only wearing the black shirt”
How Did This Song Blow Up?
Although the song was released through Juanes’ album in 2004, it became a single in the summer of 2005 and came with a music video. From then on, the radio played this, you heard this in restaurants, parties and even at Kylie Minogue concerts. The song peaked 89 on the Hot 100 Billboard chart but it leaves a lasting impact.
FYI: This Song is Not Political
The same year it became a single, it also became the anthem for a neo-fascist group from Italy. Juanes stated that the song has nothing to do with politics let alone fascism. This article from Cultura Colectiva shares this and even shares why this song was controversial in the Dominican Republic for its “sexual” lyrics.
Last Note
In 2020, we are still seeing fascist groups taking songs out of context. The beauty of music is being able to interpret songs in many ways. But when the song is used as an anthem to support a harmful agenda, what does that mean for the rest of the fans? What does it mean for the artist? What does it mean for the song itself?