La Llorona
RAPHAEL
Echoes of Sorrow: Unraveling 'La Llorona'
The song 'La Llorona' performed by RAPHAEL is a rendition of a traditional Mexican folk song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song's title refers to the legend of 'La Llorona,' a ghostly figure in Latin American folklore who is said to wander near bodies of water, mourning her drowned children. The lyrics of the song do not directly tell the story of the legend but instead use the imagery and emotion associated with 'La Llorona' to convey a sense of deep sorrow and loss.
The opening lines describe a scene where the narrator sees 'La Llorona' leaving a temple, mistaking her for the Virgin Mary because of her beautiful attire. This encounter sets a tone of reverence and sorrow, as the narrator is moved by the sight of her. The repeated phrase 'Ay, de mi llorona' emphasizes the narrator's emotional connection to 'La Llorona,' suggesting a shared experience of pain and longing.
The song also uses the metaphor of flowers in a holy field, moved by the wind, to symbolize the act of mourning. The narrator relates to 'La Llorona' by expressing a desire to be covered with her shawl to escape the cold, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for seeking comfort in the face of grief. The mention of two kisses in the soul—one from the mother and one given to 'La Llorona'—highlights the personal and intimate nature of the narrator's sorrow, connecting the themes of love, loss, and the eternal presence of these emotions in one's life.