Como la cigarra

Song Meaning

Ismael Serrano's "Como la cigarra" isn't just a song; it's a testament to resilience, a defiant roar against the abyss. The cicada, spending years buried in darkness only to emerge and sing, becomes a potent symbol for the human spirit's capacity to endure and ultimately, to celebrate life even after repeated trauma. Serrano uses vivid imagery of death and rebirth, not as a morbid fascination, but as a defiant act of self-preservation. The lyrics, steeped in the tradition of Latin American protest songs, acknowledge the pain of repeated setbacks—"Tantas veces me mataron / Tantas veces me morí"—yet find strength in the simple act of continuing to sing. The song’s power lies in its universality. It speaks to the collective experience of oppression, loss, and the psychological toll of enduring hardship. The lines referencing forgetting the knot in the handkerchief—a symbol of remembrance—suggest the mind's complex defense mechanisms against overwhelming trauma. We can only bear so much before the details fade, yet the underlying feeling remains, fueling the need to sing, to express, to resist erasure. It transforms personal suffering into a broader statement about the enduring nature of hope and the importance of finding one's voice, even when it feels like the world is trying to silence you. Ultimately, "Como la cigarra" transcends simple survival. It’s about active resurgence. It suggests that each 'death' – each instance of being silenced, marginalized, or defeated – is followed by a powerful re-emergence, fueled by an unyielding inner song. The repeated chorus, comparing the singer to a cicada returning to the sun after a year underground, emphasizes this cyclical process of death and renewal, inviting listeners to find their own cicada song, their own way to sing in the face of adversity. It's a song of solidarity, reminding us that even in the darkest times, someone will offer a lifeline, allowing us to sing again. Serrano's lyrics offer not just solace, but a call to action, encouraging us to embrace our resilience and find our voices, even after countless defeats.