El Bombon de Elena

Ismael Rivera's song "El Bombon de Elena" is a vibrant yet poignant piece that captures the essence of a woman named Elena who is seemingly overlooked and neglected. The repetitive chorus, "Elena toma bombón, bom, toma bombón Elena," emphasizes the act of giving Elena a sweet treat, a bombón, which symbolizes a small gesture of kindness and attention that she desperately needs but rarely receives.

The lyrics highlight the sadness and pity felt by the community for Elena, as expressed in the lines, "Ay, señoras y señores, eso sí que daba pena, que nadie le da un bombón, bom, a la pobre de Elena." This suggests that Elena's plight is well-known, yet no one steps forward to offer her the simple comfort of a bombón. The song's repetitive nature underscores the ongoing neglect and the community's passive acknowledgment of her situation.

Culturally, the song is set against the backdrop of plena, a traditional Puerto Rican music and dance genre. The mention of "bailando la rica plena" situates the narrative in a lively, communal setting where music and dance are central to social life. Despite the festive environment, Elena's loneliness and the community's failure to support her stand in stark contrast, adding a layer of melancholy to the otherwise upbeat rhythm.

Ismael Rivera, known for his contributions to Afro-Caribbean music, uses this song to blend social commentary with infectious rhythms. The song serves as a reminder of the small acts of kindness that can make a significant difference in someone's life, especially those who are often overlooked.