Cardo O Ceniza

Chabuca Granda's song 'Cardo O Ceniza' is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the intense emotions that accompany them. The lyrics delve into the anticipation and uncertainty of physical and emotional intimacy. The repeated question, 'Cómo será mi piel junto a tu piel' ('How will my skin be next to your skin'), sets the tone for the entire song, reflecting a deep yearning and curiosity about the union with a lover. The metaphors of 'cardo' (thistle) and 'ceniza' (ash) suggest contrasting possibilities of this union—either painful and prickly or soft and ephemeral.

The song's imagery is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the physical and emotional sensations that come with love. The lines 'Si he de fundir mi espacio frente al tuyo' ('If I am to merge my space with yours') and 'cómo mi corazón si estoy de muerte' ('how will my heart be if I am dying') convey a sense of vulnerability and surrender. The idea of merging spaces and the heart's reaction to such intimacy speaks to the transformative power of love, which can be both exhilarating and terrifying.

Granda's lyrics also touch on the fear of losing oneself in love, as seen in 'Se quebrará mi voz cuando se apague' ('My voice will break when it goes out') and 'quemará mi boca salivada' ('my mouth will burn with saliva'). These lines express the physical manifestations of longing and the fear of not being able to communicate or connect deeply. The song concludes with a reflection on the aftermath of such intense love, pondering the shame and vulnerability that come with it: 'Cada vez que despierte avergonzada' ('Every time I wake up ashamed'). This ending leaves the listener with a sense of the complex and often conflicting emotions that love can evoke.