Catalina

The song 'Catalina' by Spanish singer-songwriter ROSALÍA is a poignant and emotionally charged piece that delves into themes of loss, memory, and the desire to escape from pain. The lyrics convey a sense of deep sorrow and a yearning for relief from suffering. The repeated plea to 'Catalina' to place her hand, which is described as cold, suggests a search for comfort and connection in the midst of despair. The coldness of Catalina's hand could symbolize the emotional distance or the finality of death.

The narrative of the song includes a person who is tormented by memories and is contemplating a journey to Germany, not for pleasure, but to end their life. This stark declaration of intent to find solace in death is a powerful expression of hopelessness. The mention of 'taking poison' further emphasizes the depth of the character's anguish. The song's refrain, 'Mira que me viá morir,' which translates to 'Look, I'm going to die,' reinforces the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death.

In the latter part of the song, the character speaks of making a will, listing possessions in a manner that suggests they are of little value or are broken. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the character's own life and emotional state—fragmented and beyond repair. The inclusion of a 'cortina' (curtain) through which a neighbor can be seen, a 'rompío' (broken) picture frame with a forgotten saint, and an 'olivar' (olive grove) that has never been and will never be planted, all paint a picture of desolation and neglect. ROSALÍA's delivery of these lyrics, combined with the haunting melody, creates a powerful and moving musical experience that resonates with the themes of grief and the human condition.