Alfonsina y El Mar

Natalia Lafourcade's rendition of 'Alfonsina y El Mar' is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, who tragically ended her life by walking into the sea. The song's lyrics, written by Félix Luna and set to music by Ariel Ramírez, paint a vivid picture of Alfonsina's final moments and the deep sorrow that accompanied her decision.

The song begins with the imagery of the soft sand and the sea, symbolizing the poet's final steps that leave no trace behind. This path of sorrow and silence leads to the deep waters, representing Alfonsina's escape from her pain. The repetition of 'penas mudas' (silent sorrows) emphasizes the unspoken anguish that drove her to seek solace in the ocean's depths.

As the song progresses, it delves into the emotional turmoil that Alfonsina must have experienced. The lyrics ponder the old pains and unvoiced sufferings that her voice concealed, suggesting that the sea's lullaby offered her a final resting place. The metaphor of the sea singing to her with the sound of conch shells adds a mystical and serene quality to her departure.

The chorus poignantly addresses Alfonsina directly, questioning what new poems she sought in her solitude. The 'ancient voice of wind and salt' symbolizes the timeless and natural call of the sea, which ultimately draws her in. The imagery of Alfonsina being carried away by five little mermaids and surrounded by phosphorescent seahorses creates a dreamlike, almost ethereal scene, portraying her transition from life to death as a peaceful journey.

In the final verses, the song takes on a more personal tone, with Alfonsina asking to be left to sleep in peace and instructing that if someone calls for her, they should be told she is gone. This request underscores her desire for finality and rest, free from the burdens of her past. The repetition of 'te vas Alfonsina con tu soledad' (you go, Alfonsina, with your solitude) reinforces the theme of her solitary journey and the ultimate peace she seeks in the embrace of the sea.