Son Oscuro
Noel Nicola
Unveiling the Soul in Noel Nicola's 'Son Oscuro'
Noel Nicola's 'Son Oscuro' is a poetic exploration of the human soul and the struggle to conceal one's innermost feelings and thoughts. The song begins with a description of a thick wind hitting the face, symbolizing the harshness of life that one encounters. The 'piedra rodando' or rolling stone may represent the continuous journey and changes one goes through, while the 'calma mágica' suggests a serene inner peace amidst the chaos.
The 'violento espejo' or violent mirror could be a metaphor for self-reflection, where the singer's song reaches the listener, causing a pale reaction in the silence of contemplation. The soul is described as longing for the familiar and comforting - 'palma y pulpa de mamey' - and is emotionally stirred, likened to spilling coffee into water. This imagery conveys a sense of nostalgia and the inability to hide one's true self, as the soul is visible despite attempts to conceal it. The revelation that there is no mystery left, that the soul is laid bare, is repeated throughout the chorus, emphasizing the futility of hiding one's essence.
The song also touches on the concept of being bound by an 'avieso invento' or sinister invention, which could be societal expectations or personal obligations that feel like an invalid debt. The 'acento viejo' or old accent of the word reflects the depth of the singer's feelings, which the universe turns into a tragic grimace. The night is personified as a second homeland that closes the past with a golden clasp, suggesting that darkness brings clarity to what truly is, despite obscuring the literal. 'Son Oscuro' is a rich tapestry of metaphors that delves into the complexities of self-identity and the inevitability of revealing one's true nature.