Bad Bunny, one of the most influential figures in Latin music, has once again delivered a thought-provoking track with the release of “Una Velita” on September 20, 2024. Known for his ability to blend personal experiences with social commentary, Bad Bunny does not disappoint with this new release. “Una Velita” goes beyond just music; it’s a deep reflection on natural disasters, the resilience of Puerto Rico, and the need for unity in the face of adversity. In this review, we will explore the themes and messages conveyed in the song while breaking down its lyrics to uncover its true depth.
The Emotional Landscape of “Una Velita”
Bad Bunny opens the song by setting a grim tone in the Intro, painting a picture of an impending storm both literally and metaphorically:
“How did this moment come? The year flies by But this month always drags It’s serious and threatening The sky is darkening And the wind is already blowing The sea is getting furious And the mountain is praying.”
These lines immediately place the listener in a setting of anticipation and dread. The slow passage of time and the building intensity of the storm mirror the tension and fear that Puerto Rico often faces during hurricane season. Bad Bunny uses this as a metaphor not only for natural disasters but also for the slow-moving challenges that the island has faced, particularly the government’s slow response to crises. The mention of the mountain “praying” reflects the island’s deep connection to faith during times of trouble, a theme that runs throughout the song.
The Chorus: A Call for Salvation
The Chorus heightens the sense of urgency:
“Ayy, it’s starting to rain, it’s gonna happen again Here comes the storm, comes the storm It’s starting to rain, it’s gonna happen again Here comes the storm, who will save us?”
The repetition of “it’s gonna happen again” highlights the recurring nature of these events. Puerto Rico has been battered by multiple hurricanes and natural disasters in recent years, and Bad Bunny uses this refrain to underline the exhaustion of continually having to face such challenges. The question “who will save us?” adds a layer of frustration, pointing toward the lack of effective governmental response in previous disasters. It’s a poignant call for help, expressing both hope and despair, as the island braces for yet another storm.
Faith and Resilience in the Post-Chorus
In the Post-Chorus, Bad Bunny brings faith into the equation:
“Ah, ah, ah-ah-ah Ah, ah, ah-ah-ah And may God protect Puerto Rico In the name of the Father, the Son.”
Here, the artist invokes religious imagery, calling on divine protection for Puerto Rico. The use of “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” emphasizes the importance of faith in Puerto Rican culture, especially during times of crisis. It is a common sentiment among those who face hardship to seek solace and protection in religion, and Bad Bunny captures this feeling effectively.
The Verse: Social Commentary and Reflection
The Verse is where Bad Bunny delves into deeper social commentary, making clear his frustration with the handling of disaster relief in Puerto Rico:
“Obviously, the light will go out, God knows it will never return The bridge they took so long to build, the river has grown and will break it.”
The mention of the power going out is a reference to the frequent blackouts that have plagued Puerto Rico, particularly after Hurricane Maria in 2017. Bad Bunny’s frustration is evident as he points out the slow pace of recovery and infrastructure repair, criticizing the inefficiency and negligence of those responsible for rebuilding.
He continues with:
“Don’t forget the old lady over there who lives alone, we need to help her Remember that we’re all from here, it’s up to the people to save the people.”
This line shifts the focus to community responsibility. While Bad Bunny criticizes the government, he emphasizes the need for the people of Puerto Rico to come together and take care of each other. It’s a reminder that, in times of crisis, it is often the communities themselves who step up to help, and that solidarity is essential for survival.
The verse also carries strong political undertones:
“Don’t send me anything from the government, those bastards will hide it They’re going out on the streets just for photos, they can all go to hell.”
Bad Bunny doesn’t shy away from calling out the government’s superficial response to disasters. His use of explicit language reflects the raw anger and betrayal felt by many Puerto Ricans toward officials who have failed to provide adequate relief. It’s a scathing critique of political leaders who use photo ops during crises without offering meaningful support.
The Pre-Chorus: Hope and Uncertainty
In the Pre-Chorus, Bad Bunny expresses both hope and fear:
“And hopefully, and hopefully, and hopefully, and hopefully it doesn’t come, no.”
The repetition of “hopefully” reflects the desperation of wishing for the best while preparing for the worst. It’s a sentiment that many who live in hurricane-prone regions understand all too well. The uncertainty of whether disaster will strike again looms large, but there’s a persistent hope that this time, the storm may pass without causing devastation.
The Bridge: A Personal Touch
In the Bridge, Bad Bunny brings a personal element to the song:
“Tell me if you wanna spend it with me So I don’t sleep alone, that I sleep embraced I’m not scared if you’re by my side.”
This shift in tone adds a softer, more intimate touch to the song. Here, Bad Bunny is reaching out for comfort in the face of fear, a universal human experience. The request for companionship during a time of uncertainty makes the song more relatable, grounding the larger themes of disaster and resilience in personal emotion.
The Outro: Waiting for a New Day
The song closes with a note of optimism in the Outro:
“I’m waiting for the sun to come out The sun will come out.”
After the storm, there is always hope for a new beginning. The sun symbolizes a fresh start and the resilience to face another day, no matter how difficult the night has been. This simple yet powerful message leaves the listener with a sense of hope, reinforcing the song’s underlying theme of perseverance.
Final Thoughts: A Powerful Commentary on Resilience
“Una Velita” is much more than a song about a storm; it’s a reflection on the struggles faced by Puerto Rico and a reminder of the power of community, faith, and resilience. Bad Bunny blends social critique with personal emotion, creating a track that speaks to the collective trauma and strength of his people. His lyrics are raw, honest, and unapologetic, making “Una Velita” a powerful anthem for those who have faced and will continue to face adversity. Through it all, Bad Bunny delivers a message of hope, urging his listeners to remain steadfast and united, no matter how dark the storm may get.