Ella

Rubén Blades' song 'Ella' is a poetic tribute to a woman who serves as a beacon of hope and healing in the singer's life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman whose love and compassion soften the sharp edges of the singer's emotional pain. Described as a 'profeta desarmada' (unarmed prophet), she faces his dangers without asking for anything in return, embodying selfless love and unwavering support. Her presence is so powerful that even his silence is futile; she understands him deeply, hearing the unspoken words and unraveling the arguments he uses to hide from himself.

The song delves into the transformative power of love, portraying the woman as a mirror of a distant love that sustains the singer. Her face becomes the space where he lives, and in the desert of his faltering faith, she is the reason he continues. This metaphorical desert represents the singer's inner turmoil and existential struggles, which are alleviated by her unwavering support and affection. Her dreams and embraces fill the cynical voids where his sorrow resides, offering a stark contrast to his own cynicism and despair.

'Ella' also explores the theme of redemption and self-discovery. The woman finds what the singer has forgotten and returns it to him with profound honesty. Despite being a tormenting enigma, she resolves him, sharing in his bitterness rather than being intimidated by it. She is described as the shadow of his shadow, the voice of his words, and the blood of his wound, signifying an intimate and inseparable connection. Her eyes, likened to a school, both nourish and intimidate, suggesting that her love is both a source of comfort and a challenge, pushing him towards growth and self-awareness.