Terciopelo negro

Isabel Parra's song 'Terciopelo negro' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and longing, deeply rooted in the traditional coplas of Santos Vega from the 19th century. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references that paint a vivid picture of a heart in mourning. The 'black velvet' symbolizes the deep sorrow and mourning that the singer feels, suggesting that if their beloved forgets them, their heart will be shrouded in darkness, much like the black velvet curtains they mention.

The song's imagery is powerful and evocative. The comparison of the beloved to a 'white lily' and the singer's lament that the lily is white while the beloved is 'morena' (dark-skinned) highlights a contrast that may symbolize purity versus reality, or perhaps an unattainable ideal. This contrast deepens the sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. The reference to the Samaritan woman, who denied the singer a drink of water, further emphasizes the theme of unrequited love and the pain of rejection. The denial of water, a basic necessity for life, symbolizes the essential love and affection that the singer is being deprived of, leading to a metaphorical death.

Isabel Parra, a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, uses her music to convey deep emotional and social messages. 'Terciopelo negro' is no exception, as it delves into the universal themes of love and heartache while also reflecting the cultural and historical context of its origins. The song's melancholic tone and vivid imagery resonate with listeners, drawing them into the singer's world of sorrow and longing.