Una Velita Lyrics in English by Bad Bunny

Borinquen is the original name for the island of Puerto Rico, given by its native inhabitants, the Taíno people. It's a word filled with history and cultural pride, and you'll often hear Puerto Ricans refer to themselves as Boricuas.

In "Una Velita," a song about an impending hurricane, Bad Bunny makes a powerful plea: "Que Dios proteja a Borinquen" (May God protect Borinquen). Using this ancestral name instead of "Puerto Rico" is a profound expression of national identity and a tribute to the island's indigenous roots.

Bad Bunny takes a heavy look at hurricane season in Puerto Rico with "Una Velita". As the skies darken and winds pick up, he describes the dread locals feel every year when a storm threatens the island. You see the practical, real-life preparations: downloading songs to his phone ("Par de canciones guardado en el cel" [A couple of songs saved on the phone]) before the power grid inevitably fails ("Obviamente la luz se va a ir" [Obviously the power will go out]), and worrying that the swollen river will wash away a poorly built bridge. He calls on God to protect Borinquen (the indigenous Taíno name for Puerto Rico) and urges everyday people to look out for elderly neighbors living alone, declaring that only the community can save itself: "Al pueblo el pueblo le toca salvar" [It is up to the people to save the people].

He does not hold back his anger toward the government either. He tells people not to send relief supplies through officials because politicians will hide the aid or only show up for photo ops ("Van pa' la calle, pa' fotos nada más" [They go to the streets just for photos]). He directly references the tragedy of Hurricane Maria, reminding listeners that five thousand people were left to die ("Fueron cinco mil que dejaron morir" [It was five thousand they left to die]). Yet, amid the rising water and political fury, the song softens into a tender, intimate moment. He asks a partner to spend the night together so they do not have to sleep alone in fear, asking to light a small candle ("Prende una velita" [Light a little candle]) just to see their face while waiting for the sun to finally come out.