Madre

Arca's song 'Madre' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the complex and often tumultuous relationship between a mother and child. The repetition of 'Madre mía' throughout the song emphasizes the deep emotional connection and reverence the artist feels towards their mother. This phrase, which translates to 'my mother' or 'my dear mother,' sets the tone for a deeply personal and introspective journey into familial bonds and inherited traits.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mother, describing her physical attributes and the impact of her presence. Phrases like 'tu cabello como cataratas' (your hair like waterfalls) and 'tus labios colorados de un rojo sangriento' (your lips colored a bloody red) evoke strong, almost mythical imagery. The mention of 'tacones' (heels) and 'martillazos' (hammer blows) suggests a powerful, perhaps intimidating figure whose influence is felt throughout the household. This duality of admiration and fear is a recurring theme in the song.

Arca delves into the psychological and emotional inheritance from the mother, acknowledging the 'abismo' (abyss) that has been passed down. The line 'el cordón umbilical nunca se cortó' (the umbilical cord was never cut) symbolizes an unbreakable bond that has both nurtured and constrained the artist. The song reaches a poignant climax with the realization that despite the pain and distance, the artist has inevitably become like their mother. The final lines, 'Eres para siempre, para siempre / Mi origen y mi fin' (You are forever, forever / My origin and my end), encapsulate the eternal and cyclical nature of this relationship, highlighting the inescapable influence of the mother on the artist's identity.