La Llorona

The song 'La Llorona' performed by Chavela Vargas is a traditional Mexican folk song that has been covered by many artists, but Vargas's rendition is particularly poignant and emotive. The song's title refers to the legend of 'La Llorona,' a ghostly figure in Latin American folklore who is said to wander near bodies of water, mourning her drowned children. The lyrics, however, do not directly tell this story; instead, they use the image of La Llorona as a symbol of deep sorrow and loss.

The opening verses speak of flowers in a holy field that seem to cry when the wind moves them, suggesting a connection between nature and human emotion. This metaphor sets a tone of mourning and reflects the song's themes of grief and the persistence of memory. The refrain 'Ay de mí, llorona' emphasizes the personal anguish of the singer, who identifies with La Llorona's eternal lament. The lyrics also touch on themes of love and heartache, suggesting that only those who have truly loved can understand the torment of loss.

Chavela Vargas's performance of 'La Llorona' is particularly moving due to her raw, expressive vocal style, which conveys the depth of the song's emotion. Vargas was known for her ability to bring a unique intensity to the traditional ranchera music of Mexico, often transforming songs with her passionate interpretations. In 'La Llorona,' her voice carries the weight of the narrative, making the listener feel the cold and the longing for warmth and protection, as symbolized in the final plea to be covered with a shawl to fend off the cold. The song, through Vargas's interpretation, becomes a powerful expression of human suffering and the indelible marks left by love and loss.