A la Virgen del Cobre

Celina Y Reutilio's song "A la Virgen del Cobre" is a heartfelt tribute to the Virgin of Charity, also known as the Virgin of Cobre, who is the patroness of Cuba. The lyrics are imbued with deep religious devotion and cultural pride, reflecting the significance of the Virgin in Cuban spirituality and identity. The song opens with a reverent address to the Virgin, acknowledging her miraculous nature and her role as a symbol of charity and protection for the Cuban people. The imagery of the Virgin walking over the beautiful nation of Cuba underscores her omnipresence and the deep faith that believers place in her.

The song also delves into personal and communal aspects of devotion. The narrator expresses a personal connection to the Virgin, describing her as a powerful and necessary figure in their life. This personal devotion is mirrored in the communal worship at the sanctuary built in her honor in the eastern part of Cuba. The repeated refrain about retreating to the mountains because of unrequited love adds a layer of personal struggle and solace found in nature, which is a common theme in guajira music, a genre that celebrates rural life and the Cuban countryside.

Moreover, the song highlights the Virgin's role in Cuban folklore and religion, particularly in the syncretic practices that blend Catholicism with Afro-Cuban religions. The mention of Ochún, an orisha in the Yoruba religion, signifies the blending of these spiritual traditions. The song's narrative of the Virgin saving the 'three Juans' who cried out to her is a reference to a well-known Cuban legend, further cementing her role as a protector and savior. Through its poetic lyrics and cultural references, "A la Virgen del Cobre" serves as both a spiritual hymn and a celebration of Cuban heritage.