La Llorona

The song 'La Llorona' performed by Lila Downs is a traditional Mexican folk song that has been covered by many artists, each bringing their own unique style to the haunting melody. Lila Downs, known for her powerful voice and fusion of genres including indigenous Mexican music with blues, jazz, and rock, adds a deep emotional layer to the song. The lyrics of 'La Llorona' tell a story of profound sorrow and loss, with the term 'Llorona' referring to the legendary 'Weeping Woman' of Mexican folklore, a ghostly figure who mourns her drowned children and is said to bring misfortune to those who hear her cries.

The song's verses express a sense of identity and self-worth, with the narrator describing themselves as 'el negro' but also 'cariñoso' (affectionate), and like 'el chile verde' (green chili), 'picante, pero sabroso' (spicy, but tasty). These lines suggest a pride in one's characteristics and a recognition of one's own value, despite the sorrowful tone of the song. The refrain 'Hay! de mi llorona, Llorona de ayer y hoy' emphasizes the timeless nature of the Llorona's sorrow, connecting past and present in a continuum of grief.

The latter part of the song describes a poignant encounter with a woman leaving a temple, who is so beautiful that the narrator mistakes her for the Virgin Mary. This encounter seems to symbolize an idealized love or a moment of divine beauty that is now lost, as the narrator laments that they were once a marvel but are now 'ni sombra' (not even a shadow). The final lines, 'Y aunque me cueste la vida llorona, No dejare de quererte' (And even if it costs me my life, Llorona, I will not stop loving you), speak to the enduring nature of love and the willingness to suffer for it, further deepening the song's themes of love, loss, and longing.