Alfonsina y El Mar

Shakira's rendition of 'Alfonsina y El Mar' is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, who tragically ended her life by walking into the sea. The song's lyrics, originally written by Félix Luna and set to music by Ariel Ramírez, paint a vivid picture of Alfonsina's final moments and the deep sorrow that accompanied her.

The song begins with imagery of the white sand and the sea, symbolizing the poet's final journey. The 'small footprint' that 'does not return' signifies Alfonsina's irreversible decision to leave the world behind. The 'path of sorrow and silence' leading to the 'deep water' reflects her profound anguish and the silent suffering she endured. The repetition of this path emphasizes the inevitability and finality of her choice.

As the song progresses, it delves into the emotional turmoil that Alfonsina experienced. The lyrics question the 'old pains' and 'anguish' that accompanied her, suggesting a life filled with unspoken grief. The sea, with its 'song of the seashells,' becomes a comforting lullaby, offering her solace in her final moments. The imagery of 'five little mermaids' and 'phosphorescent seahorses' creating a magical, almost ethereal scene, symbolizes a peaceful and enchanting transition from life to death.

The recurring refrain, 'Te vas Alfonsina con tu soledad' (You go, Alfonsina, with your solitude), underscores the loneliness that marked her life and her departure. The poignant question, 'What new poems did you go to seek?' reflects the eternal quest for meaning and beauty that defined Alfonsina's poetic soul. The song's closing lines, with Alfonsina 'dressed in the sea,' evoke a serene and dreamlike image, suggesting that she has found peace in the embrace of the ocean.