Bad Bunny’s New Song “Una Velita” Shines a Light on Hope and Resilience Amid Tragedy
Bad Bunny has once again turned his music into a powerful reflection of the struggles faced by his homeland. In his latest release, “Una Velita” (“A Little Candle”), the Puerto Rican star channels the pain and resilience of his people as they continue to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The song takes listeners through an emotional journey, underscored by a mournful guitar line that builds into a stirring choir-backed crescendo.
With lyrics sung in Spanish, Bad Bunny paints a vivid picture of a community bracing for an impending storm. He opens with a somber description of rain clouds gathering and the ominous approach of a tempest. “Quién nos va a salvar?” he asks—“Who’s going to save us?”—stretching the word salvar with a deep sense of anguish and uncertainty. This haunting question echoes the collective fears that have lingered in Puerto Rico long after the hurricane’s winds died down.
The accompanying visualizer for the song complements its poignant message, featuring candles softly illuminating a darkened room—symbolizing the power outages that plagued Puerto Rico during and after the hurricane. Each flickering light serves as a reminder of the strength and unity shown by the island’s residents during the crisis, turning the humble candle into a beacon of hope.
“Una Velita” also arrives at a politically significant time, as it precedes an upcoming election in Puerto Rico. The song encourages listeners not only to remember the hardships they endured but also to take action and be a part of shaping their future. Bad Bunny has been vocal in his support for voter participation and, according to Remezcla, he even offered discounted concert tickets in exchange for proof of voter registration during his shows on the island earlier this year.
The release of “Una Velita” isn’t Bad Bunny’s first foray into addressing the impact of Hurricane Maria. His 2022 track “El Apagón” also tackled the theme of resilience in the face of adversity and became an anthem for those advocating for a stronger and more self-sufficient Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny has consistently used his platform to shed light on the island’s struggles, stating in an interview with Rolling Stone that the inspiration for “El Apagón” came to him during a joyful beach party with friends. “I was looking at the waves and thought, ‘Diablo, Puerto Rico is truly incredible. I need to write a song that captures the beauty of this place and its people,’” he said.
With “Una Velita,” Bad Bunny not only offers solace to those who have suffered but also calls for a collective resolve to keep pushing forward, despite the odds. His unwavering commitment to his roots and his desire to see Puerto Rico thrive shine through in every verse. “Una Velita” is more than just a song—it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of the island and its people, who continue to light up even the darkest of nights.
