Alfonsina y El Mar

“Alfonsina y El Mar” by Amarelo Mânga is a hauntingly beautiful song that tells the story of the Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, who tragically ended her life by walking into the sea. The lyrics are rich with imagery and emotion, capturing the essence of her final moments and the deep sorrow that accompanied her decision.

The song begins by describing the soft sand that the sea licks, where Alfonsina's small footprints will never return. This imagery sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the permanence of her departure. The path she takes is one of stone and silence, leading to the deep water, symbolizing her journey into the unknown and the finality of her choice. The repetition of the path of stone and silence underscores the loneliness and determination in her final steps.

The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil that Alfonsina must have experienced, questioning what old pains her voice silenced and what new poems she sought in the depths of the sea. The sea is personified as a comforting presence, with the song of the marine shells lulling her to rest. This personification adds a layer of tenderness to the narrative, suggesting that the sea offers her the peace she could not find on land.

As the song progresses, it paints a vivid picture of Alfonsina's final journey, accompanied by five little mermaids and phosphorescent seahorses. This fantastical imagery contrasts with the somber reality of her death, creating a dreamlike quality that reflects her escape from the harshness of life. The final verses express a poignant farewell, with Alfonsina asking to be left to sleep in peace and instructing that if someone calls for her, they should be told she is gone. This request for peace and the finality of her departure are heart-wrenching, encapsulating the sorrow and resignation that permeate the song.

“Alfonsina y El Mar” is a powerful tribute to Alfonsina Storni, blending poetic lyrics with evocative imagery to convey the depth of her despair and the solace she sought in the sea. The song resonates with themes of loneliness, escape, and the search for peace, making it a poignant and timeless piece of music.