El Unicornio Azul
Mercedes Sosa
The Melancholic Search for the Blue Unicorn
Mercedes Sosa's song "El Unicornio Azul" is a poignant and metaphorical exploration of loss and longing. The lyrics tell the story of the narrator's search for a lost blue unicorn, a creature that symbolizes something precious and irreplaceable. The unicorn, described as blue, suggests a sense of rarity and uniqueness, emphasizing the deep emotional connection the narrator has with it. The repeated plea for information and the willingness to pay any price highlight the desperation and the profound sense of loss felt by the narrator.
The unicorn in the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for various things: a lost love, a cherished dream, or even a part of oneself that has gone missing. The lines "Mi unicornio y yo hicimos amistad / Un poco con amor, un poco con verdad" suggest a deep bond formed through love and truth, making the loss even more significant. The unicorn's ability to "pescaba una canción" (fish a song) with its indigo horn indicates its role in bringing creativity and joy into the narrator's life, further underscoring the void left by its absence.
Mercedes Sosa, known for her powerful voice and her role in the Nueva Canción movement, often used her music to address social and personal issues. In "El Unicornio Azul," she captures the universal experience of losing something invaluable and the relentless quest to find it again. The song's melancholic tone and poetic lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced a similar sense of loss, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the heart.