Renowned Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz has unveiled his latest single, "Palms in the Garden," a nostalgic ballad that has stirred emotions among his fans with its deeply romantic and melancholic lyrics. The song has sparked a flurry of comments and speculation, with many of Sanz's followers connecting the composition to his former partner, Cuban visual artist Rachel Valdés.
In the lyrics, Sanz weaves verses that seem to directly reference his relationship with Valdés, with whom he shared more than three years. Lines like, "I turned my world upside down / To make it resemble you / But no matter how many palms we plant in the garden / This will never be Havana, I'll always be Madrid," evoke nostalgia and reflect the cultural differences and distances that marked the couple's bond.
Another poignant verse that has resonated with fans is, "In two accents we said a thousand 'I love yous' / And in silence, we said 'That's it'." This seems to allude to the moments the couple shared, underscored by the contrast between their respective cultures, Spain and Cuba.
The song also includes a verse mentioning, "Then, you left Varadero in my soul / And Cibeles asked me about you / For your ways, you know, darling, I'd die / But you'll always be Havana / And I'll always be Madrid." These words have been seen as a poetic acknowledgment of Valdés's roots and the symbolic permanence of their relationship in Sanz's heart.
Alejandro Sanz and Rachel Valdés made their relationship public in 2019, often appearing together at events and sharing moments on social media. However, in 2023, the couple announced their breakup, a development that surprised many fans. According to El Mundo, the relationship ended after a significant emotional crisis lasting several months, with Sanz ultimately deciding to part ways.
"Palms in the Garden" is available on all digital platforms, accompanied by a music video produced by celebrated Puerto Rican artist Residente. The collaboration between Sanz and Residente has heightened anticipation among fans, who have praised both the visual production and the song's emotional depth.
As of now, neither Alejandro Sanz nor Rachel Valdés has confirmed whether the song is directly inspired by their relationship, but listeners have found a personal connection within the lyrics to the story of the two.
With this new single, Sanz continues to showcase his talent for transforming personal experiences into music, further cementing his status as one of the most iconic and beloved artists in the Spanish music scene.