Bad Bunny: Vulnerability Between Rhythms and Reality

Photo by: hiplatina.com

Heyyy everyone! Alma here again, and welcome to a new episode of Behind the Lyrics! I’m super excited to share with you once more. As always, we’ll talk about the different stories of our favorite artists and the challenges and difficulties they’ve faced throughout their lives. Remember, music is magical and it helps us express what sometimes words cannot. I truly hope that through this series we continue to remember that it’s okay to ask for help!

As I mentioned in the previous episode, today we’ll be talking about the famous Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny.

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and I’m from PR too, not to flex, but “Boricua” talent really shows. He grew up in a small neighborhood called Almirante Sur, a place where creativity was his refuge. From a young age, he stood out for his vibrant imagination and uncommon sensitivity. He wasn’t an athletic child like most kids his age; he preferred spending time singing in the church choir and exploring the world through music.

During his adolescence, Benito faced many moments of loneliness. In interviews, he has revealed that when he turned 20, he struggled with depression.

"I remember when I turned 20, I was depressed. I thought I was going to die. It was the end of my life."

His career rose so quickly that many forget the emotional weight this can carry, not just the fame, but representing an entire generation. However, despite his early successes, there were periods when recognition didn’t bring him happiness, and he admits:

"That process was more than I could handle. I was overwhelmed… I didn’t feel well, I wasn’t happy with what I was doing. I had success, I was achieving my dreams… but I wasn’t enjoying any of it."

As I mentioned before, from a young age, Benito showed a unique sensitivity. In a genre so dominated by appearances, he decided to break stereotypes by wearing skirts, painting his nails, talking about pain, and showing emotions without fear. Behind all his success and incomparable style, he faced criticism, pressure, and many moments of solitude, as he has shared in various interviews.

"Sometimes I feel alone, even when surrounded by thousands of people. Nobody teaches you how to handle all of this."

This quote reveals a lot, mainly the duality of his life. No matter that he is an artist loved by millions, he feels a void and seeks his own emotional balance.

Bad Bunny has been one of the few reggaetón figures who openly talks about his real emotions. In various interviews, he has mentioned that he doesn’t pretend to be someone he isn’t, and that his music comes from what he feels, even if it makes him appear “weak” or sad and/or vulnerable.

"I sing what I feel. If I’m sad, I let it out. Not everything has to be a party."

After opening up publicly several times about his moments of anxiety, loneliness, and the pressure of fame, Bad Bunny shows that behind every artist, there is a person trying to understand themselves and heal. Every time he talks about his mental health, he does so with sincerity that resonates with his fans, serving as an example because speaking out can change lives.

This vulnerability transforms into art: his lyrics become a reflection of his truest emotions, a mix of pain, self-reflection, and hope. Using his music as therapy, he maintains his authenticity to keep his connection with his fans.

For example, in “RLNDT”, a song inspired by the tragic story of a missing young woman in Puerto Rico, there is a deep feeling of loss and reflection.

"No me pidas que te olvide, porque no puedo..."

More than someone else’s story, many fans have said this song helped them process their own pain.

In “Yonaguni”, he shows another side of himself: a man who misses someone, feels nostalgia, and seeks comfort from afar.

"Aunque sé que no debo, ey, pensar en ti, bebé…"

Behind this lyric is a message of acceptance: not suppressing what hurts, but embracing it.

In “Un Coco”, he openly confesses the emotional exhaustion he feels.

"Ya no sé si estoy bien o estoy mal…"

A simple line, but deeply human, connecting with anyone who’s had gray days.

In his most recent album, “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana”, Bad Bunny opens his heart again, showing his most realistic and sensitive side.

In “Nadie Sabe”, the opening track, he expresses how lonely the path to success can be.

"Dicen que el dinero cambia la gente, pero a mí me cambió la mente."

Here, Benito shows that even triumph can come with pain and doubts, reminding us that we all face internal battles that others don’t see.

Finally, in “Baile Inolvidable”, he reflects nostalgia and the sadness that comes from a story that cannot continue.

"Te pienso, pero no te llamo, no quiero otro final malo."

The song feels like a bittersweet farewell, an attempt to heal without forgetting.

Bad Bunny has transformed his emotions into art. He has created a space where his fans can feel less alone by seeing that even someone with so much fame and success has difficult days because, at the end of the day, he’s human too. His honesty is his act of rebellion, and his music is his therapy.

We must remember that healing doesn’t only come from forgetting what hurts, but from accepting it and transforming it into something else, just as he does in every song.

In our university community, I want to remind you that you are not alone. We all face moments of anxiety, sadness, or insecurity, and talking about it doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.

As students, we face unique challenges that can affect our mental health. This story reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. It’s very important to seek help when we need it and support each other in our community.

At Regis University, your well-being matters. If you are going through difficulties, remember you are not alone and support is available for you.

Counseling Services at Regis University:
Location: Coors Center 114
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 303.458.3558
Email: hcc@regis.edu

Crisis Line in CO: Text or call 988

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In our next episode of Behind the Lyrics, we’ll talk about Demi Lovato, who has openly talked about her bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, and addictions. We will explore how she uses her music to address mental health and personal growth. Stay tuned to see how music can inspire, heal, and connect us across cultures!