A Veces Pienso

The song 'A Veces Pienso' by Los Aldeanos, a Cuban hip-hop group known for their socially conscious lyrics and commentary on Cuban life, delves into themes of love, loss, and yearning. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has created an imaginary angel, a metaphor for an idealized love or a lost loved one, which the narrator clings to in their absence. The angel is described as green and gray, colors that could symbolize life and melancholy, respectively, suggesting a mix of hope and sorrow.

The chorus repeats the creation of this angel and the quiet conversations the narrator has with it, indicating a deep sense of longing and the need to keep the memory alive. The verses, delivered in a rap style, are more personal and vivid. They describe the narrator's daydreams and fantasies where the loved one returns, and life is as it should be. The imagery of seeing the loved one's face in traffic signs and the desire to share life's simple moments, like teaching a child to say 'thank you,' adds to the poignancy of the song.

The song's emotional weight is carried by the repeated phrase 'A veces' ('Sometimes'), emphasizing the fluctuating feelings of hope and despair. The narrator's internal struggle is evident as they try to come to terms with their reality, sometimes filled with the presence of the loved one and sometimes with their absence. The song captures the universal experience of grappling with the absence of someone dear, whether through a breakup, distance, or loss, and the coping mechanisms we employ to fill the void they leave behind.