Es Prohibido Fumar (É Proibido Fumar)

Song Meaning

In Roberto Carlos's "Es Prohibido Fumar" (It Is Forbidden to Smoke), the Brazilian icon uses a simple warning sign as a jumping-off point for a smoldering exploration of desire. On the surface, the lyrics present a straightforward scenario: a man captivated by a woman whose allure is likened to an uncontrollable fire. The repeated phrase, "Es prohibido fumar" (It is forbidden to smoke), initially seems to reference a literal no-smoking sign, yet quickly evolves into a metaphor for the intoxicating and potentially destructive nature of passionate love. The singer sees this woman and all the flames she lit in him no fire fighter can put out. The genius of the song lies in its clever double entendre. While ostensibly about the dangers of smoking, the true "fire" is the overwhelming attraction the singer feels. He sings of a "morena" (brunette) who is a "tentación" (temptation), whose kisses ignite his passion and raise his "tensión." This isn't just about physical attraction; it's about the psychological pull of forbidden desires. The warning against smoking becomes a playful rebellion against societal norms and perhaps even the singer's own inhibitions. He encourages the object of his affection to continue "incendiándote contenta y feliz" (burning happily and contentedly), urging her to ignore the warnings. The repetition of the line "Ni un bombero puede apagar" (No fireman can put out) serves to emphasize the uncontrollable nature of this desire. It is a force beyond reason, logic, or societal constraints. The plea, "Mi negra ven, apágate en mí" (My dark-haired woman, come, extinguish yourself in me), suggests a longing for complete union, a merging of two flames into one. The song's ultimate message, wrapped in its catchy melody and playful wordplay, is a celebration of passion, a daring embrace of the fire within, even if it means ignoring the warning signs.