Alicia en La Habana

Malpais' song 'Alicia en La Habana' tells the poignant story of a woman named Alicia who finds herself far from home, navigating the unfamiliar streets of Havana. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her journey, both physical and emotional, as she attempts to understand her surroundings and herself. The imagery of Alicia as a 'libélula de sal' (dragonfly of salt) suggests fragility and a sense of being out of place, yet also a desire to explore and comprehend her new environment. This metaphor captures the essence of her transformation and the bittersweet nature of her quest for meaning.

The song delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. Alicia's journey is marked by moments of introspection and sorrow, as she questions how much one can love a song or endure abandonment. Her walk through the streets of Havana, crying along the Rampa and Malecón, symbolizes her struggle to reconcile her past with her present. The lyrics 'perdiendo el rumbo entre sus dos amores' (losing her way between her two loves) hint at a deeper conflict within her, possibly between her old life and the new one she is trying to build.

As the song progresses, Alicia begins to find herself again. The dawn, described as 'una ciudad amaneciendo en cada charco' (a city dawning in every puddle), represents a new beginning. She ties the broken laces of another time, symbolizing her attempt to mend the past and move forward. The repetition of finding her voice and skin where she left them signifies a reclaiming of her identity. The song concludes with Alicia dreaming once more, throwing her years of silence into the sea, and crafting a telescope with the wind, embodying her hope and resilience. 'Alicia en La Habana' is a powerful narrative of self-discovery and the enduring human spirit.