Andrea

"Andrea" is a powerful anthem of female empowerment and a poignant critique of the societal pressures and gender-based violence faced by women, particularly in a Latin American context. The song tells the story of a fiercely independent woman who desires to live life on her own terms, free from judgment and the constraints of a patriarchal society. While many fans initially linked the song to the tragic femicide of Andrea Ruiz Costa in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has clarified that the song is about a woman who is still alive and fighting for her freedom. However, he also acknowledged that the story resonates with the experiences of many women who have been victims of gender-based violence. The song has become a rallying cry against femicide and violence against women.

The lyrics paint a portrait of a complex woman who is both strong and vulnerable, intelligent and street-smart. She navigates a world that constantly tries to define and control her, from her family's expectations to the judgmental eyes of society. The collaboration with the indie-pop duo Buscabulla, particularly Raquel Berrios's vocals, gives a powerful voice to Andrea's inner world and her defiant spirit. The song ultimately champions a woman's right to be her authentic self, to demand respect, and to pursue her dreams without apology.

The song paints a vivid picture of a woman named Andrea, who is fiercely independent and unapologetically herself. The narrative begins at four in the morning, with Andrea leaving La Perla, a historically marginalized neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is often criticized by those who don't know her, yet she is street-smart and intelligent, likened to a 'Civic' for her street knowledge and a 'Tesla' for her intellect. Andrea yearns for a partner who understands and accepts her without trying to change her. The lyrics trace her journey through different universities in Puerto Rico, suggesting a continuous search for her place and for a love that is right for her. She desires to stay in her homeland but finds her life increasingly complicated, as if her very womanhood is a sin. This has awakened a defiant spirit in her, a 'demon' has been awakened.

She is portrayed as a warrior, a modern-day Joan of Arc, with a fiery, temperamental nature. She's capable of giving love and affection but will fiercely defend herself if wronged. The song reminisces about a younger, perhaps more innocent Andrea who enjoyed basketball and reading, but acknowledges that only fragments of that girl remain. Life has hardened her, and she has had to stand up for herself against disrespect. The lyrics admire her confident walk and suggest she belongs on a stage. She is tired of waiting for recognition and is unbothered by her family's opinions. In a powerful statement, the lyrics mention that the government now calls her a 'murderer,' a line that alludes to the harsh judgment and criminalization women often face. She is described as a 'country diva,' who will not be easily intimidated.

The chorus, delivered by Buscabulla, is a powerful declaration of independence: 'I don't want anyone to tell me what I have to do.' It's a defiant message to a former lover and to society at large. She asserts that she will not be messed with and that she rises and falls like the tide, unbothered by those who try to bring her down. She is looking for someone who dares to understand her.

The second verse describes her as a 'crazy woman who doesn't want a crazy man.' Her desires are simple yet specific: red wine, sushi, beach days, and coconut ice cream. She deserves so much, yet receives so little. While her mother prays she'll end up with a doctor or an engineer, Andrea is drawn to 'bichotes' (drug lords) and rappers. Her cousin calls her a 'cuero' (a promiscuous woman), but what no one sees is the vulnerability of her heart, which is in need of healing. The song touches on the gossip that surrounds her and the fact that even when she's seen driving around all week, she isn't truly happy. The good things about her are rarely spoken of, while the bad is always highlighted. She's hustling to pay the rent and crying more than she should. The lyrics state a sad truth: 'there is no woman without a wound, nor a man who doesn't lie.' Andrea doesn't want flowers that will wilt; she wants respect that will last. She wants not to be harassed, to be asked about her future, and to be treated with a dignity that is never taken away. She is a boss, a 'patrona,' who, despite crumbling on the inside, presents a strong exterior. The song ends by comparing her life to the fast-paced world of Formula 1, urging her to be herself and to disregard the opinions of others.

"Andrea" was a last-minute addition to Bad Bunny's critically acclaimed 2022 album, Un Verano Sin Ti. The song was produced by MAG, who played the beat for Bad Bunny in Miami. Bad Bunny was immediately taken with it and couldn't stop thinking about it. During Easter of 2022, he contacted the Puerto Rican indie-pop duo Buscabulla, comprised of Raquel Berrios and Luis Alfredo Del Valle, and invited them to collaborate on the track. The song was written by Bad Bunny, Buscabulla, and other collaborators. Raquel Berrios of Buscabulla has stated that she felt a great responsibility for the chorus to carry the weight of what it means to be a woman from the Caribbean and that she had never worked harder on a song. Although many listeners believed the song was directly inspired by the highly publicized case of Andrea Ruiz Costa, a woman murdered in Puerto Rico after the legal system failed to protect her, Bad Bunny has stated that the song is about a person who is still alive. He wanted to create a character that could represent the experiences of many women facing similar struggles for freedom and respect.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Andrea" are integral to its storytelling and emotional impact. Bad Bunny employs a relatively free verse style in his narrative sections, with a mix of perfect and slant rhymes that give his delivery a conversational yet poetic feel. The rhythm of his verses often follows the natural cadence of speech, drawing the listener into Andrea's world. The rhyme scheme is not strictly patterned, which allows for a more fluid and narrative-driven flow.

The chorus, sung by Buscabulla, has a more structured rhyme and rhythm, making it a memorable and anthemic centerpiece of the song. The repetition of the phrase "No quiero que nadie me diga lo que yo tengo que hacer" ("I don't want anyone to tell me what I have to do") creates a powerful hook that emphasizes the song's central theme of defiance. The rhythm of the chorus is steady and driving, giving it a sense of empowerment and resolve. The interplay between the free-flowing verses and the structured chorus creates a dynamic tension that mirrors the song's themes of struggle and liberation.

"Andrea" employs a range of stylistic techniques, both musically and lyrically, to create its powerful and evocative atmosphere.

Literary Techniques:

• Narrative Voice: The song utilizes a third-person narrative to tell Andrea's story, allowing the listener to observe her life and struggles from an empathetic distance. This is contrasted with the first-person declaration of the chorus, which gives Andrea her own powerful voice.
• Characterization: The lyrics build a complex and relatable character in Andrea through vivid descriptions of her personality, her desires, and her experiences.
• Social Commentary: The lyrics directly engage with social issues such as gender inequality, machismo, and violence against women, making the song a form of protest art.
• Juxtaposition: The song juxtaposes images of Andrea's strength and resilience with her moments of vulnerability and sadness, creating a nuanced and realistic portrait of her life.

Musical Techniques:

• Genre Blending: The song seamlessly blends elements of Latin trap, reggaeton, and indie pop, creating a unique and contemporary sound that reflects the multifaceted nature of the song's protagonist.
• Vocal Delivery: Bad Bunny's signature melodic rap style is complemented by the ethereal and defiant vocals of Buscabulla's Raquel Berrios. This interplay of voices adds depth and emotional texture to the song.
• Instrumentation: The production features a mix of electronic beats, atmospheric synths, and a distorted disco break, creating a soundscape that is both danceable and introspective.
• Structural Shift: The song's structure, which moves between Bad Bunny's narrative verses and Buscabulla's anthemic chorus, creates a dynamic listening experience that mirrors the tension between Andrea's external struggles and her internal resolve.

"Andrea" has had a significant cultural impact since its release on Bad Bunny's groundbreaking 2022 album, Un Verano Sin Ti. The song quickly became a fan favorite and a powerful anthem for female empowerment, resonating deeply with listeners, particularly women, in Latin America and beyond. It has been widely praised for its nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a woman's struggle for autonomy and for its direct confrontation of machismo and gender-based violence. The song has been the subject of numerous articles, social media discussions, and academic analyses, solidifying its place as a key text in contemporary conversations about feminism and Latinx culture.

The initial speculation that the song was about the femicide of Andrea Ruiz Costa brought significant attention to her case and the broader issue of violence against women in Puerto Rico. While Bad Bunny clarified that this was not the direct inspiration, the connection made by the public highlights the song's power to voice the unspoken realities of many women. "Andrea" is a testament to Bad Bunny's evolution as an artist who uses his massive platform to address important social issues and to challenge the traditional norms of the reggaeton genre. The song's inclusion on Un Verano Sin Ti, an album that broke numerous streaming and chart records, has ensured that its vital message has reached a global audience.

"Andrea" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its message of female empowerment and resistance.

• La Perla: The song opens with Andrea leaving La Perla, a historically marginalized coastal community in Old San Juan. This setting symbolizes a place of both struggle and resilience, grounding Andrea's story in a specific Puerto Rican reality while also representing a starting point from which she seeks to rise.
• Civic and Tesla: Comparing Andrea to a "Civic" for her street smarts and a "Tesla" for her intelligence is a modern metaphor that highlights her multifaceted nature. It suggests she is practical and grounded, yet also sophisticated and forward-thinking.
• Juana de Arco (Joan of Arc): The reference to Joan of Arc casts Andrea as a warrior figure, a woman fighting for her convictions in a world that is hostile to her. It emphasizes her strength, courage, and willingness to defy patriarchal norms.
• The Tide (La Marea): The chorus, sung by Buscabulla, uses the metaphor of the tide to describe Andrea's resilience: "Yo subo y bajo como la marea" ("I rise and fall like the tide"). This imagery suggests her ability to withstand life's challenges, to be powerful and unstoppable in her own right, and to be unaffected by the attempts of others to control her.
• Flowers vs. Respect: The lyric "Ella no quiere una flor / Solo quiere que no la marchiten" ("She doesn't want a flower / She just wants them not to wilt her") is a powerful metaphor that rejects superficial gestures of affection in favor of lasting respect and non-violence. It critiques a culture that often offers empty romantic gestures while perpetuating harm against women.

Several recurring phrases and motifs in "Andrea" contribute to its powerful message and emotional depth.

• "No quiero que nadie me diga lo que yo tengo que hacer" ("I don't want anyone to tell me what I have to do"): This line from the chorus is the song's central and most powerful recurring motif. It's a defiant declaration of independence and self-determination, encapsulating Andrea's refusal to be controlled by others. Its repetition transforms it into an anthem for anyone who has felt constrained by societal expectations.
• The name "Andrea": While Bad Bunny has said the song is not about one specific person, the name itself becomes a symbol. It represents not just one woman, but countless women who share similar struggles and aspirations for freedom and respect.
• The idea of being misunderstood and judged: The line "Mucho' la critican sin conocerla" ("Many criticize her without knowing her") is a recurring theme that highlights the unfair judgment Andrea faces. This motif underscores the importance of empathy and the danger of making assumptions about others.
• The desire for genuine connection: The phrase "Soñando con alguien que pueda comprenderla / Y no quiera cambiarla, solo quererla" ("Dreaming of someone who can understand her / And doesn't want to change her, just love her") is a poignant motif that expresses Andrea's deep longing for acceptance and authentic love.