Negro

The song 'Negro' by RAPHAEL delves into the complex and often misunderstood symbolism of the color black. The lyrics lament the 'mala fama' or bad reputation that black has garnered, associating it with negativity and pain. This is evident in lines like 'La fama infame del negro y su estancia de dolor,' which translate to 'The infamous fame of black and its stay of pain.' The song challenges these stereotypes by presenting black as a 'mystery' and a 'divine color,' suggesting that its true essence is far more profound and misunderstood than commonly perceived.

RAPHAEL uses metaphors to explore the duality of black, portraying it as both magical and malign. The line 'Aún siendo magia, vienes del maligno' translates to 'Even being magic, you come from the evil one,' highlighting the conflicting perceptions of black. The artist also touches on the idea that black is often seen as 'oscuro y deslucido' (dark and dull) and a 'clandestina voz' (clandestine voice), yet it holds a divine quality that is often overlooked. This duality is further emphasized by the repetition of 'Por eso te crees un color divino,' meaning 'That's why you believe you are a divine color.'

The song takes a turn towards hope and redemption in its latter part. The narrator finds a 'luz' (light) in their endeavor to understand black, symbolized by 'tus ojos tiernos' (your tender eyes) that are also black but of a different kind. These eyes are described as having 'más de cielo, que de averno' (more of heaven than hell), suggesting that black can embody purity and divinity. This nuanced portrayal challenges the listener to reconsider their preconceived notions about the color black, urging them to see it as a symbol of depth, mystery, and divine beauty.