Como La Cigarra

Maria Dolores Pradera's rendition of 'Como La Cigarra' is a powerful anthem of resilience and rebirth. The song, originally written by Argentine poet and singer María Elena Walsh, uses the metaphor of the cicada to convey a message of enduring hardship and emerging stronger. The cicada, known for its life cycle of spending years underground before emerging to sing, symbolizes the human spirit's ability to survive and thrive despite numerous challenges and adversities.

The lyrics speak to the countless times the narrator has faced metaphorical death and resurrection. Lines like 'Tantas veces me mataron, tantas veces me morí' (So many times they killed me, so many times I died) and 'Sin embargo estoy aquí, resucitando' (Yet here I am, resurrecting) highlight the theme of overcoming obstacles. The narrator acknowledges the pain and suffering ('Gracias doy a la desgracia y a la mano con puñal' - I thank misfortune and the hand with a dagger) but also the strength gained from these experiences, allowing them to continue 'singing to the sun like the cicada.'

The song also touches on themes of memory and forgetfulness, as seen in 'Hice un nudo en el pañuelo, pero me olvidé después' (I tied a knot in my handkerchief, but then I forgot). This suggests that while the pain is significant, it is not the defining feature of one's existence. Instead, the act of singing, of expressing oneself and finding joy, becomes the ultimate act of defiance and survival. The repeated refrain of 'Cantando al sol como la cigarra' (Singing to the sun like the cicada) serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring hope that follows even the darkest times.

The song's message is universal, resonating with anyone who has faced difficulties and emerged stronger. It speaks to the human capacity for resilience, the importance of hope, and the power of self-expression as a means of healing and renewal.