Cuando Estoy Triste (Cajita de Música)

Mercedes Sosa's song "Cuando Estoy Triste (Cajita de Música)" is a poignant exploration of personal sorrow and the unique ways individuals cope with their emotions. The lyrics describe the singer's ritual of sanding a music box whenever she feels sad. This act is not performed for anyone else but purely for her own solace, highlighting the deeply personal nature of her coping mechanism. The music box serves as a metaphor for the singer's inner world, a place where she can retreat and find comfort amidst her sadness.

The song also touches on the different ways people deal with their emotions. While some might write letters or gaze at the moon to forget their troubles, the singer finds solace in the tactile and meditative act of sanding her music box. This comparison underscores the individuality of emotional expression and the personal significance of seemingly mundane activities. The mention of the bitter wood of palo santo, which despite its bitterness, does not die and continues to perfume, serves as a metaphor for enduring love and the lingering presence of past emotions.

The recurring theme of waiting and the cyclical nature of sadness is evident in the lyrics. The singer mentions that she will never finish sanding the music box because her sadness, which smells of a loved one, keeps returning. This perpetual state of incompletion symbolizes the ongoing process of dealing with grief and the enduring impact of love and loss. The imagery of green hands on a rainy night adds a layer of melancholy and introspection, painting a vivid picture of the singer's emotional landscape. Through this song, Mercedes Sosa beautifully captures the essence of personal sorrow and the intimate rituals that help us navigate our emotional worlds.