BESO

"BESO" is a deeply personal and romantic song by Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro that explores the themes of profound love, longing, and the stark contrast between the pain of separation and the peace of togetherness. The lyrics convey a powerful message about the all-encompassing nature of their love. Being apart is described as "hell," while being together is "peace," highlighting the intense emotional dependency and connection they share. The song essentially serves as a public declaration of their love, celebrating their bond and intimacy. The central motif of the "beso" (kiss) is symbolic of their connection, a physical act that encapsulates their deep emotional and romantic feelings. It's a raw and honest portrayal of a relationship where both partners find solace and meaning in each other's presence. The song also touches upon the difficulties of maintaining a relationship amidst busy careers that often lead to separation. Ultimately, the meaning of "BESO" is a straightforward yet powerful ode to their love story, expressing their desire to be with each other and the profound impact they have on one another's lives.

The song chronicles the profound and impassioned love between two people, likely reflecting the real-life romance of the artists, Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro. It opens with an expression of intense yearning, stating an immediate need for a kiss from their beloved. This kiss is not just a simple act of affection but a powerful symbol of connection and solace. The lyrics articulate a stark contrast between the emotional states of being with and without their partner. Separation is depicted as a torturous "hell," a state of profound emptiness and despair, while their partner's presence is equated with "peace," a sanctuary from the world's chaos. This central theme underscores the dependency and deep emotional bond shared between the lovers.

The narrative unfolds to paint a picture of a love that permeates every aspect of their lives. It's a love that is both exhilarating and agonizing, highlighted by the duality of loving their partner's arrival and hating their departure. This sentiment speaks to the constant ache of longing that accompanies a deep love, especially when careers or circumstances force them apart. The declaration, "I'll go with you to die," is a powerful, hyperbolic statement of unwavering loyalty and commitment, suggesting a bond that transcends all obstacles, even mortality itself. The repeated plea, "Don't leave me alone, where are you going?" further emphasizes the vulnerability and fear of abandonment that can coexist with such a strong connection.

Rauw Alejandro's verse delves into the indescribable nature of his feelings, acknowledging that words are insufficient to capture the depth of his love. He employs cosmic and natural metaphors to convey the magnitude of his affection, suggesting that even the moon is too small to compare to his partner's worth. This section highlights the overwhelming and almost spiritual quality of their love. He speaks of a pre-destined connection, a feeling of having known and loved his partner in another life, further cementing the idea of a soulmate-like bond. The lyrics also touch upon the physical and intimate aspects of their relationship, describing the captivating way his partner dances and the perfection of their kisses. These moments of physical intimacy are portrayed as both a cause and a result of their deep emotional connection.

Rosalía's verse offers a more grounded, yet equally romantic, perspective. She describes idyllic, everyday moments spent together, such as lazy Sundays, enjoying the city, and sharing simple pleasures. These vignettes of domestic bliss are presented as her personal heaven, reinforcing the idea that true happiness is found in their shared life. Her promise that this heaven will last forever speaks to her commitment and belief in the enduring nature of their love. The song, in its entirety, is a celebration of a passionate, all-encompassing love. It explores the emotional highs and lows, the pain of separation, the joy of togetherness, and the profound sense of peace and belonging that comes from finding one's other half. The recurring plea for a "beso" (kiss) serves as the central motif, a simple act that encapsulates the entirety of their complex and beautiful relationship.

"BESO" is the lead single from the collaborative EP "RR" by Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro, released on March 24, 2023. The creation of this song and the EP was a highly anticipated event, as the couple had been dating since 2021 and had previously collaborated on each other's solo projects in more subtle ways. Rauw co-wrote Rosalía's "Chicken Teriyaki," and she provided background vocals on some of his tracks. In an interview, Rauw mentioned that their collaborative songs were kept under "extra security" due to the anticipation. The couple expressed that they wanted to solidify their personal relationship before releasing music together professionally. They worked on the three songs for the EP for over a year. "BESO" was written by both Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro. The production was handled by a team including Dylan Patrice, Alejandro, Rosalía, and Noah Goldstein. The song was recorded in various studios across the globe, including Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, London, and Paris, reflecting their international lifestyles and careers. The release was teased on TikTok with a clip of the couple, further building excitement among fans. The song's release was accompanied by a music video that served as a major cultural moment, as it ended with the real-life announcement of their engagement.

"BESO" is built on a rhythmic foundation of reggaeton, characterized by its distinctive dembow beat, which gives the song its danceable quality. However, it's a more sentimental and melodic take on the genre, blending the driving rhythm with smoother, pop-infused melodies. The tempo is upbeat, creating a feeling of energy and passion that matches the lyrical content. The rhyme scheme is relatively straightforward and effective, typical of the genre, which makes the lyrics memorable and catchy. The chorus, for example, has a simple and effective rhyme structure: "Ya yo necesito otro beso / Uno de esos que tú me da' / Estar lejos de ti e' el infierno / Estar cerca de ti es mi paz." The repetition of the word "beso" and the rhyming of key phrases contribute to the song's hook. The vocal delivery of both artists plays with the rhythm, sometimes flowing smoothly over the beat and at other times delivering lines with a more percussive and syncopated feel. This interplay between the vocal rhythms and the underlying instrumental track adds a dynamic layer to the song.

"BESO" showcases a blend of musical and literary techniques that create its distinct sound and emotional impact. Musically, the song is categorized as emo reggaeton and pop, featuring an upbeat keyboard melody. There's a notable use of quasi-Baroque keyboards and strings over a brusque beat. Rosalía's flamenco-influenced vocal style is present but balanced with Alejandro's trap-infused reggaeton beats. Their voices often blend in unison in the chorus, highlighting their chemistry and unity. The song is in the key of B♭ Dorian, which contributes to its unique melodic character. Lyrically, the song employs direct and emotive language. The use of hyperbole is a key technique, such as in the line "Estar lejos de ti e' el infierno" ("Being away from you is hell") and "Yo me voy contigo a matar" ("I'm going with you to kill"), which dramatically emphasizes the depth of their feelings. There is a conversational and intimate tone throughout, making the listener feel like they are privy to a private declaration of love. The music video utilizes a found-footage, montage style, with self-recorded clips that create a sense of authenticity and intimacy, which is a powerful stylistic choice that reinforces the song's themes.

"BESO" had a significant cultural impact upon its release, largely due to its status as the first official musical collaboration between the real-life couple Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro, and the surprise engagement announcement at the end of the music video. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in Spain and charting in the top five in several other countries. It also peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. The track received platinum and diamond certifications in several countries, including 7x platinum in Spain and diamond in France. The music video, with its intimate footage and engagement reveal, became a major talking point in pop culture, generating widespread media coverage and fan excitement. The song and video were seen as a beautiful and creative way to announce their engagement, merging their personal and professional lives in a way that resonated with their audience. The song was performed live at major events like Coachella, where their on-stage chemistry further solidified the song's place in the pop culture zeitgeist. It marked a significant moment in both artists' careers, not only for its commercial success but for its cultural resonance as a public celebration of their love story.

The lyrics of "BESO" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that elevate the song from a simple love ballad to a more profound declaration of love. The most prominent symbol is the "beso" (kiss) itself, which represents the physical and emotional connection that brings the artists peace and solace. It's the antidote to the "hell" of being apart. The lyrics employ a strong metaphorical contrast between heaven and hell to describe the emotional states of being together versus being separated. Being close to their loved one is described as "peace" and their personal "heaven," while distance is an infernal experience. Rauw Alejandro uses cosmic imagery to express the magnitude of his love, stating that the moon is "too small for you," a metaphor suggesting that his love for Rosalía transcends earthly comparisons and is immeasurable. He also speaks of drinking from her waters in a past life, a metaphor for a deep, fated connection that feels reincarnated. The idea of "I'll go with you to kill" is a hyperbolic metaphor for ultimate loyalty and a ride-or-die commitment. The music video adds another layer of symbolism, with the compilation of personal, intimate clips representing the authenticity and reality of their love story, culminating in the very real and symbolic act of an engagement proposal with a diamond ring.

The most significant recurring motif in "BESO" is the titular "beso" (kiss). The song opens with the line "Ya yo necesito otro beso" ("I need another kiss now"), establishing the central theme of longing for physical and emotional intimacy. This phrase is repeated throughout the song, acting as a powerful and memorable hook that encapsulates the core message. The contrast between "infierno" (hell) and "paz" (peace) is another recurring motif that effectively communicates the emotional extremes of their relationship, with their proximity to each other being the determining factor. The question "¿pa' dónde vas, a dónde vas?" ("where are you going, where are you going?") is also repeated, emphasizing a sense of desperation and the fear of separation. The music video visually reinforces these motifs with its numerous depictions of the couple kissing in various locations and situations, making the "beso" a central visual theme as well.