Hasta la Raíz

"Hasta la Raíz" is a powerful anthem about identity, memory, and the unbreakable connection to one's origins. The title, which translates to "Down to the Root," encapsulates the song's central message: no matter how far one travels or how much one grows, the essence of who you are, shaped by your homeland, experiences, and deep relationships, remains with you. Lafourcade explained that the song came from a desire to reconnect with her Mexican identity and the pride she feels for her country. It speaks to the idea that both good and bad experiences—"the hardest moments, the sweetest moments"—are fundamental in shaping a person. The lyrics convey a message of embracing one's personal history and finding strength in it. While it can be interpreted as a love song about a person who has left an indelible mark, its broader meaning extends to the love for one's culture, family, and homeland. It is a celebration of how these roots nourish and define an individual, providing a constant source of strength and identity that cannot be forgotten or erased by distance or time.

The narrative begins with a declaration of continuous movement and resilience. The protagonist journeys through life's diverse landscapes, crossing rivers and navigating jungles, all while cherishing the sun's warmth. This physical journey is paralleled by an internal one: a daily process of healing by removing thorns from the depths of the heart. As night falls, there's a ritualistic act of igniting dreams. This isn't an act of destruction, but of purification. The sacred smoke from these burning dreams is used to cleanse every memory, suggesting a process of sanctifying the past, retaining its lessons while releasing its pain.

The song then shifts to a more direct address to a significant other, a presence that is deeply embedded in the protagonist's being. This person is so integral that their image can manifest in the simplest acts, like writing their name on a white sandy beach against a blue backdrop, or in the melancholic shape of a gray cloud. There is a profound and unbreakable connection. The protagonist vows that this person will never truly be forgotten. The core promise of the song is that this person is carried internally, "down to the root." This bond is so fundamental that no matter how much the protagonist grows or changes externally—like a tree blossoming—that person will remain an intrinsic part of their foundation.

This internal presence is described as a 'subtle violence' and a 'sweet fruit,' a duality that suggests the complexity of this deep connection. It can be both a painful reminder and a source of profound sweetness. The bond is a permanent part of the protagonist's being, a tattoo under the skin that cannot be erased. The lyrics further elaborate on this idea by stating that every moment of survival, every second of uncertainty, and every instance of not knowing the way forward are the very threads that form the fabric of their being. This fabric, carried beneath the skin, is how the protagonist protects the memory and essence of this person. By embracing life's challenges, they honor and preserve this deep-seated connection. The song concludes with the powerful and recurring affirmation that this person is carried deep inside, down to the very root, an inseparable part of who they are.

"Hasta la Raíz" was co-written by Natalia Lafourcade and Mexican singer-songwriter Leonel García. The song was born from a conversation between them about the importance of staying connected to one's origins. The writing process for the album of the same name took about three years, during which Lafourcade traveled through various cities in Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba, seeking inspiration and reconnection with her roots after the success of her tribute album to Agustín Lara. This period of travel and self-reflection was crucial, as she wanted to create an album of original material that was deeply personal and honest. The specific musical idea for "Hasta la Raíz" began when García played a huapango-inspired riff on his guitar. Lafourcade started singing along, and producer Cachorro López recorded the session, capturing the magic of that initial collaboration. The song, along with the album, was produced by Lafourcade, López, and García, and recorded across several studios, including The Underground Studio at Hotel El Ganzo in Los Cabos and others in Mexico City and Buenos Aires. Lafourcade has described the creation as a way to "find the connection with Mexico and its people again."

The song is rich with powerful symbolism and metaphors, centered around the primary image of the 'root' (la raíz).

• The Root: This is the central metaphor, representing one's origin, identity, heritage, and deep-seated memories. To be connected "hasta la raíz" means to be fundamentally and inseparably linked to these core elements of one's being.
• Journeying (Crossing Rivers, Walking Jungles): These lines symbolize life's journey, with its challenges and discoveries. It reflects a process of self-exploration and resilience.
• Pulling Thorns from the Heart: This metaphor represents the act of healing from past pains and emotional wounds, a continuous process of purification.
• Lighting Dreams on Fire / Sacred Smoke: This imagery refers to the ritual of cleansing and sanctifying memories. It's not about destroying dreams, but about using their energy (the 'sacred smoke' or 'humo sagrado') to purify the past, transforming painful recollections into something sacred.
• Fabric Under the Skin (Este tejido que ando cargando bajo la piel): This metaphor describes identity as a complex textile woven from every lived experience—every moment of survival and uncertainty. It suggests that our history and our roots are an integral, biological part of us, protected within.

The emotional atmosphere of "Hasta la Raíz" is a complex blend of nostalgia, strength, longing, and triumphant hope. It is often described as a "defiantly upbeat sad song." The song navigates the bittersweet feeling of carrying the past—whether a lost love or a distant homeland—within oneself. There's a sense of melancholy and wistfulness in the lyrics, acknowledging pain ('sacando espinas') and uncertainty. However, this is powerfully counteracted by the optimistic and life-affirming musical arrangement. The driving huapango rhythm, the clear and determined vocal delivery, and the soaring melodic lines create an overall feeling of resilience and celebration. The emotion is not one of being trapped by the past, but of being nourished and strengthened by it. It’s a song of profound love and connection that finds joy and power in its own permanence.

"Hasta la Raíz" was a massive critical and commercial success, significantly elevating Natalia Lafourcade's international profile. The song won three of the most prestigious Latin Grammy Awards in 2015: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Alternative Song. The album of the same name also won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. The song performed well commercially, reaching number 5 on Mexico's pop charts and number 17 on the US Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. Its impact was amplified by Lafourcade's appearance on the Netflix series "Song Exploder," where she detailed the song's creation, bringing its story to a wider global audience. The song is considered a modern classic of Latin American music, celebrated for its authentic fusion of folk traditions with contemporary pop sensibilities. It has become an anthem of cultural pride and personal identity for many, solidifying Lafourcade's reputation as a "guardian of cultural memory" who bridges the gap between traditional and modern sounds.

The song's rhythm is one of its most defining characteristics. It is built upon a huapango rhythm, which gives it a propulsive, dance-like feel despite its introspective lyrics. This creates a dynamic tension between melancholy and celebration. The tempo is moderately upbeat, driving the song forward with a sense of hopeful resolve. The interplay between the steady, rhythmic strumming of the acoustic guitar and the solid percussion creates a powerful groove. Lyrically, the song does not follow a strict, traditional rhyme scheme, leaning more towards a free verse structure that prioritizes natural phrasing and emotional expression. However, it uses assonance and internal rhymes to create a sense of musicality and cohesion within the verses. The rhythm of the vocal melody often follows the song's instrumental groove, but it also takes moments to soar independently, emphasizing key emotional phrases and adding to the song's dynamic and heartfelt quality.

Musically, "Hasta la Raíz" is a masterful blend of contemporary indie-pop with traditional Mexican folk influences. The song's rhythmic foundation is inspired by the huapango, a folk rhythm from Lafourcade's home region of Veracruz, which is evident in the driving, staccato guitar strumming in a 6/8 time signature. The instrumentation is a mix of acoustic and electronic elements, featuring prominent acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and percussion, complemented by subtle layers of keyboards, a Juno synthesizer, and strings that add warmth and texture. Lafourcade's vocal delivery is both gentle and powerful, conveying a sense of earnestness and conviction. Her voice has been described as sweet and air-light, yet capable of soaring with emotion. Lyrically, the song employs a direct, poetic narrative voice. The use of natural imagery and personal, introspective lyrics creates a feeling of intimacy and universality, allowing listeners to connect with the themes on a personal level.

What is the meaning of the song 'Hasta la Raíz'?

'Hasta la Raíz' translates to 'Down to the Root.' The song is about the unbreakable connection to one's origins, including homeland, family, and formative experiences. It's a celebration of how these roots define and strengthen a person, no matter where life takes them.

Who wrote 'Hasta la Raíz'?

The song was co-written by Natalia Lafourcade and fellow Mexican musician Leonel García. The production was handled by Lafourcade, García, and Argentine producer Cachorro López.

What inspired Natalia Lafourcade to write 'Hasta la Raíz'?

Lafourcade was inspired by a desire to reconnect with her Mexican heritage after a period of travel and introspection. The song emerged from a conversation with co-writer Leonel García about the importance of not forgetting where you come from.

What awards did 'Hasta la Raíz' win?

The song was highly acclaimed, winning three Latin Grammy Awards in 2015 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Alternative Song. The album also won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album.

What is the musical style of 'Hasta la Raíz'?

The song blends indie-pop and folk with a traditional Mexican rhythm called 'huapango,' which is characteristic of Veracruz, Lafourcade's home region. This gives the track its distinctive, driving rhythm.

What does the metaphor 'sacred smoke' (humo sagrado) mean in the lyrics?

The 'humo sagrado' refers to the indigenous practice of smudging, or burning sacred herbs to cleanse a space of negative energy. In the song, it's a metaphor for purifying memories, honoring the past while healing from its painful aspects.