Hoy
Gloria Estefan
The Longing and Reunion in Gloria Estefan's 'Hoy'
Gloria Estefan's song 'Hoy' (which translates to 'Today' in English) is a poignant expression of longing and the anticipation of reunion with a loved one. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning, marked by the passage of time and the physical distance between the singer and her beloved. Estefan, a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress, is known for her emotive ballads and Latin pop songs that often explore themes of love, heartache, and resilience.
The song opens with the singer reflecting on the marks left on her by the absence of her loved one, symbolized by the days 'the time did not allow her to be here.' The 'faith that matures' and the 'healing' that has occurred since meeting the person she sings to suggest a transformative power of love. The imagery of being a coin in a fountain and the other's unfulfilled wish implies a sense of hope and desire for fulfillment. The repeated mention of 'having the sea on the other side' and the person being her 'north and south' emphasizes the vast distance and the comprehensive direction that the loved one provides to her life.
The chorus, 'Hoy voy a verte de nuevo' ('Today I am going to see you again'), captures the excitement and joy of an impending reunion. The act of wrapping oneself in the other's clothes and whispering in silence indicates a deep intimacy and comfort. The promise to 'brighten your sadness' and to 'make a party so that this love grows more' speaks to the desire to nurture and celebrate the relationship. The song's lyrics, rich with metaphors and emotional depth, resonate with anyone who has experienced the ache of separation and the bliss of reuniting with someone they love.