Centella

In 'Centella,' Tabaré Cardozo crafts a poignant narrative that delves into themes of solitude, longing, and the search for happiness. The song opens with a vivid image of happiness lighting up the stars from a window, suggesting a distant, almost unreachable joy. The protagonist embarks on a metaphorical journey across the sea of loneliness, riding a 'centella'—a fleeting spark or flash of light. This imagery sets the tone for a quest filled with both hope and melancholy.

The lyrics reflect a deep sense of introspection and self-awareness. The protagonist acknowledges that they can no longer be who they once were, nor who they wished to be. This acceptance of change and the passage of time is encapsulated in the line, 'Yo que ya no seré lo que fui ni soy lo que ayer quisiera.' The act of guarding one's heart 'bajo tu pollera' (under your skirt) symbolizes a desire to protect oneself from further pain, yet it also hints at a yearning for intimacy and connection.

The plea to the 'niña' (girl) not to allow the protagonist to keep their heart hidden underscores the futility of a guarded heart. A heart that is kept hidden, the song suggests, holds nothing within it. The request for 'tus estrellas' (your stars) to reignite the protagonist's extinguished spark signifies a longing for renewal and the hope that love or connection can bring light back into their life. The final lines express a desire to soar and reach the 'cielo de tu balcón' (the sky of your balcony), symbolizing an aspiration to attain a higher state of happiness and fulfillment through the beloved's presence.