Cuando Te Encontré

Pablo Milanés' song 'Cuando Te Encontré' is a poetic exploration of the transformative power of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how finding a significant other can change one's world entirely. The song begins with the discovery of a person who brings about profound changes, symbolized by the growth of a tree and the emergence of a valley where the sun shines and a man sings. These natural metaphors suggest that love brings life, beauty, and joy to previously barren or mundane places.

As the song progresses, Milanés delves deeper into the impact of this newfound love. He describes a world that was once unknown and chaotic, becoming ordered and meaningful through the act of love. The lyrics 'Cuando te encontré, todo era desconocido, y el mundo nació del amor que hicimos' highlight the idea that love is a creative force, capable of giving birth to a new reality. This transformation is not just personal but universal, as even the clouds learn to pass, wings to fly, and the sky to become infinite.

The latter part of the song takes a more reflective and perhaps political turn. Milanés speaks of a love that grows and becomes a song, a clamor that cannot be silenced by wealth or power. The imagery of the 'machete aguerrido' and the 'último héroe' suggests a struggle for justice and freedom, where love and solidarity are the driving forces. The final lines, 'Será mejor hundirnos en el mar que antes traicionar la gloria que se ha vivido,' emphasize the idea that the values and experiences gained through love and struggle are worth more than life itself.

'Cuando Te Encontré' is a rich tapestry of personal and collective transformation, where love acts as a catalyst for change, growth, and resistance. It is a testament to the enduring power of love to reshape our world and our lives.