María Serena mía

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song "María Serena mía" is a heartfelt milonga that beautifully intertwines themes of love, admiration, and the mystical power of music. The song is a tribute to María Serena, a figure who seems to embody both innocence and wisdom. Through his lyrics, Zitarrosa paints a vivid picture of María Serena as a source of comfort and inspiration, whose singing has the power to dispel sorrows and bring life to the world around her.

The song is rich with metaphors that elevate María Serena to a near-mythical status. She is described as a magician and painter, capable of transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. The imagery of her singing causing plants to grow and reach for the sun suggests a nurturing, almost divine influence. Zitarrosa's request for María Serena to reveal her most cherished and secret doll hints at a deeper, more intimate connection, one that is both tender and profound.

Zitarrosa also explores themes of existential curiosity and the human condition. He questions how to live without hunger and suffering, looking to María Serena for answers. This reflects a longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence, one that María Serena seems to embody effortlessly. The song concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of their different paths, yet a hopeful wish for her happiness. The final lines celebrate María Serena's growth and the love she inspires, encapsulating the essence of human connection and the transformative power of love and music.