Aferra comes from the verb "aferrarse", meaning to cling, hold on tightly or stubbornly refuse to let go. It carries a sense of real effort, as if someone is gripping onto something with both hands rather than simply keeping it.
In the song, the line "Siempre se aferra a lo que había" ("always clings to what was there") is repeated with slight variation, and the verb paints a picture of someone desperately holding on to the past instead of moving forward.
Abraham Vazquez's "Popular" tells the story of a young woman who doesn't see herself as popular, but possesses a unique and special quality. On the outside, she has a "spectacular smile" ("sonríe espectacular"), but internally, she struggles with deep insecurity, looking in the mirror and disliking what she sees. She tries to hide her feelings, thinking no one will notice her pain.
The song paints a picture of resilience. Despite her inner turmoil and perhaps a difficult relationship, she is described as being "stronger than anyone else" ("más fuerte que cualquier más"). The lyrics offer words of encouragement, like advice from a friend: "talk to your friends, go out and smile, you're still alive" ("háblale a tus amigas, sal y sonríe que sigues vivo"). It's a powerful message about finding strength and holding on to life, even when you feel unnoticed.