Piel

Arca's song 'Piel' delves into the complex emotions of shedding one's past and the struggle for self-reinvention. The repeated plea to 'quítame la piel de ayer' (take off the skin of yesterday) symbolizes a desire to remove the layers of past experiences and memories that weigh heavily on the present. This metaphorical shedding of skin suggests a transformation, a rebirth, and a yearning to start anew without the burdens of previous mistakes or traumas.

The line 'No sé caer' (I don't know how to fall) and 'Los árboles mueren de pie' (trees die standing up) further emphasize the difficulty of letting go and the fear of vulnerability. Trees, which die standing, represent a stoic endurance, a refusal to show weakness. This imagery contrasts with the human need to fall, to fail, and to learn from those experiences. Arca's lyrics suggest a struggle between maintaining a facade of strength and the necessity of embracing one's fragility to truly grow.

The song also touches on themes of intimacy and connection, as seen in 'Quítame la boca de miel' (take away the honeyed mouth) and 'Una sombra de destellos en tu piel' (a shadow of sparkles on your skin). These lines evoke a sense of bittersweetness, where past relationships and their lingering effects are both beautiful and painful. The final lines, 'Sin ti, no sé nada' (without you, I know nothing), highlight the dependency and loss that come with deep emotional bonds. Arca's 'Piel' is a haunting exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of transformation, vulnerability, and the intricate dance between past and present.