"Una Velita" by Bad Bunny is a powerful and emotional song that reflects the anxieties and struggles faced by the Puerto Rican people, especially in the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes. Here's a breakdown of the lyrics and the thoughts behind them:

Intro:

• Time flying by: The intro sets the stage with a sense of urgency and impending doom. The year is passing quickly, but the month before a hurricane season feels agonizingly slow, filled with anticipation and anxiety.
• Nature's warnings: The lyrics paint a picture of nature's ominous signs: the darkening sky, the strengthening wind, the raging sea, and even the mountains "praying." These vivid descriptions highlight the fear and vulnerability of the island.

Chorus:

• The inevitable storm: The chorus repeats the line "It's starting to rain, it's going to happen again," emphasizing the cyclical nature of hurricanes and the constant threat they pose.
• Seeking salvation: The lyrics ask, "Who will save us?" reflecting the sense of helplessness and reliance on divine intervention in the face of such powerful forces.

Verse 1:

• Religious invocation: The verse opens with a prayer, showcasing the strong faith that many Puerto Ricans hold. Bad Bunny asks for God's protection, especially for the island of Puerto Rico ("Borinquen").
• Material vs. spiritual: He expresses his need for God's protection over material things, comparing a "tarp" to a "mantle."
• Power outages and societal issues: The lyrics mention the inevitable power outages and the broken infrastructure. They highlight the ongoing struggles of the people, such as the slow pace of rebuilding efforts.
• Government corruption: The verse criticizes the government's corruption, stating that they will hide resources and only appear for photo ops.
• Remembering the past: Bad Bunny emphasizes the importance of remembering past tragedies, especially the 5,000 people who died after Hurricane Maria, a reminder of the government's failure to protect its citizens.
• Call for unity and action: The lyrics urge the people to unite and fight for their rights, reminding them that they are responsible for saving themselves and their community.

Pre-Chorus:

• Hope for a reprieve: There's a plea for the storm not to come, a wish for a moment of respite from the constant threat.

Chorus:

• Reiteration of the impending threat: The chorus returns, reminding the listener that the storm is still coming, and the fear persists.

Bridge:

• Seeking solace and companionship: The bridge shifts to a more personal and introspective tone. Bad Bunny expresses a desire for companionship and comfort during the storm, suggesting that he wants to be with someone to weather the storm together.
• Hope for a future: The lyrics suggest that even with the darkness, he hopes to see the sunrise with his loved ones.

Outro:

• Waiting for the dawn: The outro is hopeful, expressing the desire for the sun to rise again, a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity.

Overall, "Una Velita" is a deeply moving and relatable song that resonates with the experiences of many Puerto Ricans who have endured hardships and uncertainty. It is a powerful statement about the human spirit, the importance of faith, and the need for unity and action in the face of adversity.