Ana Ariki

Fernando Ubiergo's song 'Ana Ariki' is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of love, loss, and eternal hope. The song tells the story of Ana Ariki, a woman who leaves her island home one starless night, promising to return someday. She leaves behind Tongaroki, who is heartbroken and chases her footprints on the beach of Anakena, knowing deep down that she will never come back. This tale is steeped in the rich cultural backdrop of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), with references to its mythology and landscape.

The song's lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and cultural references. Tongaroki's desperate run along the beach symbolizes the futile chase for lost love, while the mention of Make Make, the creator god in Rapa Nui mythology, adds a layer of spiritual hope. Tongaroki's creation of a stone figure from volcanic material represents his attempt to immortalize his love, as stones can endure the test of time, unlike a human heart. This act of creation is a poignant metaphor for the permanence of memory and the impermanence of human life.

The song also touches on the theme of waiting and the passage of time. Tongaroki's hope that Ana Ariki will return is mirrored in the stone figure he builds, which stands silently on the island, a testament to his undying love and hope. The imagery of Tongaroki disappearing into the waves, chasing the sun, suggests a never-ending quest for something unattainable. The song's refrain, which repeats the hope that Ana Ariki will return by sea, underscores the eternal nature of this longing and the deep connection to the island's mythology and natural elements.