Acuarela
Rosario Flores
Painting Life's Journey: An Analysis of Rosario Flores' 'Acuarela'
Rosario Flores' song 'Acuarela' (Watercolor in English) is a vivid and poetic exploration of life's journey, emphasizing the beauty and autonomy in shaping one's destiny. The lyrics use rich imagery and metaphors to convey messages of hope, freedom, and self-determination. The song begins by painting a picture of the sky where the sun is always yellow, suggesting a world full of light and positivity, untouched by the darker aspects of life like rain or clouds. This sets the tone for a song that celebrates the brightness and possibilities inherent in life.
The recurring theme of navigation through 'siete mares' (seven seas) and the refrain 'Yo soy nave voy navegando y mi vela eres tu' (I am a ship sailing and you are my sail) symbolize life as a journey. The artist sees herself as a vessel navigating the vast, colorful seas of life, propelled by a significant other or a guiding force represented as the sail. This metaphor extends to the idea that we are all on a personal voyage where we have the power to steer ourselves in the direction of our choosing. The colorful fishes moving freely under the water reinforce the theme of freedom and self-direction.
The most poignant metaphor in 'Acuarela' is the future being likened to a watercolor painting, and life to a canvas that one can color. This suggests that while we may not control every aspect of our lives, we have the agency to add color and meaning to it, shaping our destiny with the choices we make. The song is ultimately an uplifting message about the potential each person has to envision and craft their future with clarity and creativity.