Una Palabra

Carlos Varela's song 'Una Palabra' is a poetic exploration of the paradoxes inherent in communication and human experience. The lyrics delve into the idea that a single word can simultaneously convey nothing and everything. This concept is likened to natural elements such as the wind that conceals water or flowers buried in mud, suggesting that there is often more beneath the surface of our words than is immediately apparent. The song speaks to the depth and complexity of expression, where even the simplest gesture can hold profound meaning.

The second verse shifts from words to glances, reinforcing the theme that the most subtle of communications can be the most telling. Comparing a look to rain on one's face or an old treasure map, Varela captures the sense of discovery and emotion that can be communicated non-verbally. This imagery evokes a sense of intimacy and connection that transcends spoken language, highlighting the power of human connection through shared experiences and unspoken understanding.

In the final verse, Varela touches on the concept of truth and its elusive nature. He compares it to an eternal flame or a stone that is born as dust, suggesting that truth is both enduring and ephemeral. The personal turn at the end of the song, where the singer expresses that without his beloved he would be nothing and everything, encapsulates the song's central theme. The beloved's eyes are described as both the singer's wings and the shore where he drowns, illustrating the duality of love as a source of liberation and vulnerability. 'Una Palabra' is a lyrical meditation on the complexities of communication, perception, and the human condition, wrapped in a melody that carries the weight of its profound message.