Cuando La Mar, La Mar

Cecilia Todd's "Cuando La Mar, La Mar" is a poetic tribute to the sea and its multifaceted relationship with nature and humanity. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sea's changing moods and its profound impact on the world around it. Todd's use of repetition with the phrase "Cuando la mar, la mar" (When the sea, the sea) emphasizes the centrality of the sea in the narrative, creating a rhythmic and hypnotic effect that mirrors the ebb and flow of the waves.

The song begins with the sea in a state of tranquility, stealing blues from the skies and shedding its gray veil as dawn departs. This imagery suggests a sense of renewal and the intimate connection between the sea and the sky. As the song progresses, the sea becomes a nurturing force, providing sustenance to humanity through fishing, and then transforms into a source of melody and refreshment during the heat of midday. The sea's ability to soothe and its boundless generosity are highlighted, portraying it as a life-giving and harmonious element of nature.

However, the sea also has a capricious side, becoming mischievous and sly as it transitions from day to night, with the colors of dusk settling on the horizon. The sea's darker, more contemplative aspect emerges at night, illuminated by the moon and the Antilles, suggesting a rebirth from its simple shores. Throughout the song, the sea is personified and depicted as a living entity with emotions and behaviors, reflecting the deep respect and awe that many cultures hold for this powerful natural force.