De Una Vez

Born to a father of Mexican descent, Selena Gomez has often expressed her pride in her Hispanic ancestry. Ever since she first signed to Hollywood Records in 2008, Gomez has wanted to release a Spanish project, and she kickstarted the process with this single. "I'm so, so proud of my heritage, and just genuinely felt like I wanted this to happen," Selena Gomez said when releasing the ballad on January 14, 2021. "And it happened, and I feel like it's the perfect timing. Just with all the division in the world, there's something about Latin music that globally just makes people feel things."

The song title translates into English as "At Once." It is a rhythmic pop song with lyrics that touch on empowerment, healing and having the strength to move forward. Gomez sings of a toxic relationship and her broken heart after her lover leaves her, before realizing she's better off without him in her life. "'De Una Vez' is such a beautiful song," Gomez told Apple Music. "It has a very powerful meaning behind it that anyone who has had their heart broken can relate to."

During the triumphant chorus, Gomez's metaphorical bird soars away from the relationship, a new strength guiding her forward. Translated into English, the lyrics are: Once and for all I'm stronger Alone, I don't regret the past I know the time beside you cut off my wings But now this chest is bulletproof Gomez told Apple Music: "We all have the pain and the scars from various experiences we go through in life, but it's really how we heal ourselves."