Spanish language learning forums (https://forums.tomisimo.org/index.php)

- Translations (https://forums.tomisimo.org/forumdisplay.php?f=37)

- - Tengo La Camisa Negra (https://forums.tomisimo.org/showthread.php?t=14637)

Tengo La Camisa Negra

Tengo La Camisa Negra

I've always liked the rhythm of the Juanes song "Tengo La Camisa Negra" and wondered whether "having a black shirt" has any broader meaning. The act of mourning? Probably not, because even though the singer's girlfriend split up with him - or him with her, I can't tell - in the rest of the song it sounds like he's glad she's gone.
So, what are some everyday situations where I could say Tengo la camisa negra?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen (Post 132022)

Sorry to be off topic, but I couldn't resist jumping into such a thread title as this.
The thing is, I've always liked the rhythm of the Juanes song "Tengo La Camisa Negra" and wondered whether "having a black shirt" has any broader meaning. The act of mourning? Probably not, because even though the singer's girlfriend split up with him - or him with her, I can't tell - in the rest of the song it sounds like he's glad she's gone.
So, what are some everyday situations where I could say Tengo la camisa negra?

Yes, morning wearing black. Supongo.

Hoy sé que tú ya no me quieres = today I know that you don't love me
y eso es lo que más me hiere = and that is what most hurts me
que tengo la camisa negra = I have a black shirt
y una pena que me duele = and a pain that hurts me

The color black is usually worn during funerals.. his girlfriend's leaving means for him the death of a love story.
O algo así. La idea es esa.

A part from all that there is an interesting controversy going on about this songs that gets my attention since I speak Italian and lived in Italy. The song was used in Italy in support of neo-fascism because of the association of "black shirt" (La camicia nera) with the Facist Blackshirts of the right wing nut dictator Benito Mussolini(Mussolini the nut that sided with Adolf Hitler during W.W.11 and practically destroyed Italy) and many nightclub attendees from the far right raised an arm in the fascist salute when the song was played. In response, left-wing media network Indymedia called for a boycott of the song. Juanes later stated that "'La Camisa Negra" has got nothing to do with fascism or Mussolini...People can interpret music in all kinds of ways I guess." The song was also banned in the Dominican Republic for its sexual undertones. It was also implicated in controversy at his August 2009 performance in Havana the capital of Cuba. Mamma mia!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villa (Post 132038)

que tengo la camisa negra = I have a black shirt

It's not tengo una camisa negra. My instinct is that the meaning is closer to "my shirt is black".

More like "I have my shirt blackened"

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjt33 (Post 132039)

It's not tengo una camisa negra. My instinct is that the meaning is closer to "my shirt is black".

Tengo la camisa negra.
Hoy mi amor está de luto.
Hoy tengo en el alma una pena, [*pena, f. = pain (emotional); regret]
Y es por culpa de tu embrujo.

I wear the black shirt. (I'm wearing a black shirt.)
Today my love is in mourning.
Today I have a regret weighing on my soul,
And it's the fault of your witchcraft.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chileno (Post 132046)

More like "I have my shirt blackened"

I'm wearing a blackened shirt?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villa (Post 132063)

I'm wearing a blackened shirt?

Could also be... :)