Costumbre

Valeria Castro's song 'Costumbre' delves into the complexities of human emotions and the often-overlooked impact of habitual behavior. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person trapped in a cycle of routine, where the familiarity of pain and neglect becomes a norm. The opening lines, 'Delicada / De cada vez que te veo me cae una fala,' suggest a fragile state of being, where each encounter with a significant other chips away at the person's sense of self. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the emotional scars left by repetitive, unfulfilling interactions.

The metaphor of a flower in April, 'Una flor en abril parece corriente / Y no por eso puedes anular a lo que siente,' serves as a poignant reminder that even the most seemingly ordinary things have intrinsic value and emotions. Castro uses this imagery to emphasize that just because something or someone is a constant presence, it doesn't mean their feelings should be disregarded. The recurring line, 'No porque sea costumbre, no mereces que te alumbren,' reinforces the idea that habitual neglect or mistreatment should not be normalized or accepted.

The song also touches on themes of environmental and emotional neglect, as seen in the lines, 'Cae la lluvia en la acera y no a cualquiera en el pulmón / El aire nos espera / Quien no cuida la tierra y no está a su vera / No ve el dolor y no ve lo duro de la primavera.' Here, Castro draws a parallel between the neglect of the earth and the neglect of one's own emotional well-being. The rain falling on the sidewalk instead of nourishing the lungs symbolizes missed opportunities for growth and healing. The song ultimately serves as a call to break free from the chains of habit and to recognize and honor the inherent worth and emotions of oneself and others.