Renunciación translates to "renunciation" or "surrender." It's a formal and profound word, not commonly found in everyday conversation or many pop songs, making it stand out.
In this classic romantic song, it describes the complete and utter surrender of one's soul to love. Andrea Bocelli sings about giving oneself over "con la dulce y total renunciación" (with sweet and total renunciation), highlighting the depth and commitment involved in true love. This word beautifully captures the song's theme of profound, singular devotion.
This is a bolero written by Agustín Lara long before Bocelli ever sang it, and the whole song rests on one claim, said twice: "Solamente una vez" (Just once). Not more than that, not "sometimes" or "again and again." The verse that follows explains why once is enough: "Solamente una vez en mi huerto brilló la esperanza" (Just once in my garden, hope shone bright), a hope Bocelli calls "la esperanza que alumbra el camino de mi soledad" (the hope that lights the way of my solitude).
When that love actually arrives, Lara doesn't reach for anything bigger than the ordinary sound of celebration: "Una vez nada más se entrega el alma" (Only one time, the soul gives itself), and once it does, "hay campanas de fiesta que cantan en mi corazón" (Bells of celebration sing in my heart). This live recording leans hard into that: the melody stretches out, and the closing line comes back around like Bocelli isn't ready to let it end either.
Andrea Bocelli, born on September 22, 1958, in Lajatico, Italy, is one of the world’s most celebrated tenors. Blind since the age of 12, Bocelli’s powerful voice and emotive performances have captivated audiences worldwide, blending opera with pop in a unique classical crossover style.
He rose to fame after winning the newcomers' section of the 1994 Sanremo Music Festival with "Il mare calmo della sera". Since then, Bocelli has recorded 15 studio albums and sold over 90 million records globally, with hits like "Con te partirò" becoming timeless classics. Honored with awards including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his remarkable journey combines passion, resilience, and extraordinary musical talent.