Chicharra
Marta Gómez
The Cicada's Song: Embracing Identity and Guarding Secrets
Marta Gómez's song "Chicharra" opens with a proverbial line, "el que nace chicharra, muere cantando," which translates to "the one born as a cicada dies singing." This sets the tone for a song that is deeply rooted in the acceptance of one's nature and the inevitability of living true to oneself. The cicada, known for its distinctive and incessant song, symbolizes an artist's innate need to express themselves, suggesting that Gómez, like the cicada, was born to sing and will continue to do so throughout her life.
The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is deeply connected to their origins, with references to a place that smells of kisses and a voice carried by the wind. This connection to nature and the elements suggests a sense of freedom and authenticity in the artist's expression. The repeated invitation to come closer, juxtaposed with the warning to maintain a distance due to hidden secrets, creates a tension between intimacy and privacy. It implies that while the singer is open and inviting, there are aspects of her life or her past that she chooses to keep to herself, hinting at a depth and complexity beneath the surface.
Marta Gómez's musical style often blends elements of Latin American folk with contemporary sounds, and her lyrics frequently explore themes of love, social justice, and personal introspection. In "Chicharra," there is a celebration of identity and a recognition of the pain that can come from revealing one's true self to others. The song's narrative embraces the duality of being open-hearted and protective, acknowledging that while sharing one's voice is essential, some stories are too painful to tell.