Somos

Chavela Vargas' song 'Somos' delves into the transient and often bittersweet nature of love. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that is both intense and fleeting, likened to an 'impossible dream' that seeks refuge in the night. This metaphor suggests a love that is perhaps forbidden or unattainable, one that finds solace in the shadows away from the harsh realities of the world. The night serves as a sanctuary where the lovers can momentarily escape and forget everything else, highlighting the clandestine and ephemeral nature of their relationship.

The song continues to describe the lovers as 'two leaves that the wind brought together in autumn,' a poignant image that evokes the idea of a brief, beautiful connection destined to be separated by the inevitable change of seasons. This metaphor underscores the fragility and temporariness of their union, emphasizing that their love, while deeply cherished, is ultimately subject to the whims of fate. The autumn setting further enhances the melancholic tone, symbolizing a period of transition and the impending end of something beautiful.

In the chorus, Vargas sings about the lovers being 'two beings in one, who die loving each other to keep their love a secret.' This line encapsulates the essence of their relationship—intense, consuming, and ultimately tragic. The secrecy of their love adds an element of sorrow, as they must hide their true feelings from the world. The repetition of 'Somos dos gotas de llanto en una canción' (We are two drops of tears in a song) reinforces the idea that their love, while profound, is also a source of pain and longing. The song concludes with the stark realization that they are 'nothing more,' a somber acknowledgment of the transient nature of their love and existence.

Through 'Somos,' Chavela Vargas masterfully captures the essence of a love that is both beautiful and heartbreaking, a fleeting moment of connection that leaves a lasting impact on the soul.