December 15 marked the release of Rosalía's highly anticipated music video for "La Perla," a track from her latest album, Lux. True to her bold style, Rosalía dons fencing gear, glides in a hockey uniform, plays with adorable pups, and confidently struts down a sidewalk with a touch of glam – her silver thong cheekily peeking. Directed by Stillz, the video is a visual feast, opening with the Spanish singer wielding her foil like a sword, setting the tone for the lyrical battle that follows.
Originally highlighted on November 6, "La Perla" isn't just a catchy tune – it's a lyrical takedown of a mysterious ex-lover, or perhaps, ex-lovers. The Spanish term "La Perla" translates to "The Pearl," suggesting something precious. Yet beneath the charming melody, Rosalía unleashes a storm of criticism with lines calling out an unnamed partner as a "peace thief" and "local fiasco."
The jabs don't stop there. Throughout the song, she paints a picture of betrayal, dubbing this person an "emotional terrorist" and a "walking red flag." Accusations of infidelity pepper the lyrics, with references to a "playboy" and a now-infamous "bra collection." Rosalía herself hinted at the song's themes in an interview, stating, "There’s always a villain. There’s too many villains. The faith in masculinity is lost. That’s all I will say."
“There’s always a villain. There’s too many villains. The faith in masculinity is lost. That’s all I will say.”
The buzz around "La Perla" leaves fans speculating on who the target might be. Could it be her former fiancé Rauw Alejandro, with whom she ended a three-year engagement in 2023 amidst swirling rumors of infidelity? Rauw was quick to deny any cheating in an emotional statement, emphasizing the respect he holds for their shared past.
Or, is the song inspired by her more recent ex, actor Jeremy Allen White, who has been linked to his The Bear co-star Molly Gordon? Adding a twist, reports suggest Jeremy and Molly were seen cozying up on Rosalía’s birthday. Whether "La Perla" is about one ex or a composite of past flames, one thing is clear – Rosalía isn't holding back.