Como La Flor (Selena song)
“Como La Flor” is a 1992 Spanish-language song recorded by Selena, written by A.B. Quintanilla III and Pete Astudillo. It became a breakthrough hit in Mexico and one of Selena’s enduring signature songs.
Overview
"Como La Flor" (Spanish for "Like the Flower") is a ballad-turned-pop standard recorded by Selena for her 1992 studio album Entre a Mi Mundo. The song was composed by her brother, A.B. Quintanilla III, with lyrical contributions from former bandmate Pete Astudillo. Its simple, memorable melody and emotionally direct lyrics helped the track cross regional boundaries and become closely associated with Selena’s public identity.
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Musical characteristics and lyrics
Musically, "Como La Flor" blends romantic pop balladry with regional Mexican rhythmic elements that were popular in Tejano music at the time. Lyrically the song uses the image of a flower that wilts and dies to convey the pain of lost love: the narrator contemplates the end of a relationship, the emptiness after departure, and the hope that the former partner may one day receive the care they once failed to give. The language is concise and metaphorical, which helped the song resonate with a broad Spanish-speaking audience.
Release and chart performance
The song was issued as a single in October 1992 in the United States and Mexico. It followed the earlier single "La Carcacha" and was promoted as a key release from the album in both countries, often cited as the record’s principal single in regional press (lead single). "Como La Flor" rose to the top of several Mexican charts, earning Selena her first solo number-one single in that market. Despite its commercial success, no official commercial music video was produced at the time.
Impact, reception and legacy
"Como La Flor" played a critical role in expanding Selena’s fan base in Mexico and throughout Latin America, helping to propel her from a popular regional artist to an international star. In the years after its release it became one of her best-known and most frequently performed songs—often described as a signature song. The track has remained a staple of radio playlists and concert set lists, and it has been used widely in tributes and commemorations of Selena’s life and career.
Awards, certifications and notable facts
The song received nominations at regional industry ceremonies including the Tejano Music Awards and Premio Lo Nuestro. It has also been recognized commercially with sales certifications in Latin American markets; for example, it has been reported as certified Diamond in Mexico and Gold in Argentina, reflecting its long-term popularity.
Covers and reinterpretations
Over the decades numerous artists—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—have recorded or performed their own versions of "Como La Flor," from acoustic tributes to full-band reinterpretations. The song’s melodic clarity and universal theme of heartbreak have made it a frequent choice for tribute albums, live medleys, and talent-show performances. It is also regularly revisited in anniversary retrospectives of Selena’s career and in documentary or biographical projects that examine her influence on Latin music.
- Writers: A.B. Quintanilla III and Pete Astudillo.
- Performer and popularizer: Selena.
- Associated band: Selena y Los Dinos.
- Album: Entre a Mi Mundo.
- Follow-up single context: preceded by "La Carcacha" and promoted as a lead single in major markets.
Questions and answers
Q: Who wrote the song "Como La Flor"?
A: The song was written by Selena's brother, A.B. Quintanilla III, and co-written by former Selena y Los Dinos member Pete Astudillo.
Q: What album was "Como La Flor" released on?
A: The song was released on Selena's third album, Entre A Mi Mundo (1992).
Q: What is the theme of the song?
A: The song talks about a sad woman who is hurting because she has lost her boyfriend and she is explaining how it hurts to lose his love but she is saying that his love was like a flower that has dried up and died. As he says goodbye he takes her heart with him she hopes someday some other woman or his new woman will give him what he is looking for.
Q: When was "Como La Flor" released?
A: The single was released in both the United States and Mexico in October 1992. It was the third single off of the album, following "La Carcacha" ("The Jalopy"). It was also the lead single in both countries.
Q: How successful did "Como La Flor" become?
A: The single reached number-one on the Mexican Singles Chart and MonitorLatino charts, giving Selena her first number-one song as a solo artist. It has since been certified Diamond in Mexico and Gold in Argentina, making it one of Selena's most popular songs.
Q: Was there a music video produced for this track?
A: Despite its success, no music video was produced for this track.
Q: How did this track help Selena gain acceptance into Mexico?
A: After reaching number-one on Mexican Singles Chart and MonitorLatino charts with this track, Selena toured there for the first time which helped her to be accepted into Mexico more widely .
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AlegsaOnline.com Como La Flor (Selena song) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/22190