Doña Chavela

Liliana Felipe's song "Doña Chavela" is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Mexican singer Chavela Vargas. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who lived life to the fullest, embracing both its joys and sorrows. The opening lines, "Bebió todo lo bueno de la vida / Tomó todo lo bueno del amor," suggest that Chavela consumed all the goodness life and love had to offer. This sets the tone for a song that celebrates her passionate and unrestrained approach to life.

The metaphor of singing like whales in the deepest waters, "Cantó como cantan las ballenas / En las aguas más profundas," evokes a sense of profound emotional depth and a connection to the natural world. This imagery suggests that Chavela's songs were not just performances but deeply felt expressions that resonated with the very essence of life. The repetition of the chorus, "Señora, si la Luna está en vela / Es pa' oírla cantar doña Chavela," emphasizes the timeless and almost celestial quality of her voice, suggesting that even the moon stays awake to listen to her sing.

The song also highlights the transformative power of Chavela's music. Lines like "Por ella las manos se pusieron en su sitio / Por ella las frutas maduraron en la boca" suggest that her influence brought order, ripeness, and beauty to the world. The imagery of stones turning into stars and winds confusing their paths because of her presence further underscores her almost magical impact on the world around her. Through these poetic expressions, Liliana Felipe not only honors Chavela Vargas but also immortalizes her as a figure whose legacy continues to inspire and enchant.