The exact second you burst into tears

They speak first. The song opens by giving the floor to the people who belittle it: that this has no merit at all, that what do you gain by doing it if it doesn't make you money, what silly songs, who cares about your emotions. They say it in no uncertain terms, swear words included, and the lyrics repeat them word for word, almost affectionately, like someone framing a nasty comment to hang in the hallway.

That decision is one of the best things about the song. Instead of hiding the criticism, it turns it into a chorus. And then it answers with swagger: «a otra cosa, mariposa» (roughly, "move along, butterfly"). And in case it wasn't clear, «a otra cosa, mariposón» ("move along, big butterfly", a play on a slur for gay men). With a cordial greeting included, champ. It's the kind of humour I like best, the one that hits back with a feather.

The question

At the centre of the song there's a question I find beautiful. Could someone who feels nothing choose «el segundo exacto donde rompiste a llorar» ("the exact second where you burst into tears")? That's the real answer to everyone who says these songs have no soul. What matters is who decides at which moment the emotion goes, which second of a life deserves to stay recorded. And that is decided by a heart.

The ending changes tone and becomes very human, almost painful. Nobody supports it: not friends or family, not partner, not flings, not anything of the sort. Twenty WhatsApp statuses viewed, and the lyrics list who saw them: the boyfriend, the boyfriend's mother, the sister, the father-in-law, the ex. Not one like. Not one comment. And today, precisely today, is the first anniversary on YouTube.

That list is hilarious and sad at the same time. Anyone who has tried to create something knows what it's like to look at the counter and see that only your father-in-law follows you. The song tells it without self-pity, with a touch of irony, like someone blowing out the candle on the cake alone in the kitchen and laughing at themselves.

It's for anyone who makes something with love and receives silence or contempt. For listening to on the day someone tells you what you do is worthless. And then, carrying on.

The full lyrics are further down. Listen on Spotify