La Puerta de Alcalá (part. Victor Manuel)

The song 'La Puerta de Alcalá' performed by Ana Belén, in collaboration with Victor Manuel, is a tribute to one of Madrid's most emblematic monuments, the Puerta de Alcalá. The lyrics poetically narrate the history and the various events that have taken place around this neoclassical gate, which has stood as a silent witness to the passage of time and the evolution of Spanish society.

The song begins with a personal reflection, as the narrator walks along a crowded avenue, searching for a connection between the past and the present. This search leads to the Puerta de Alcalá, which is personified as an observer of time. The lyrics then recount historical moments, such as the arrival of King Charles III, who is depicted showing reverence to the gate. The song continues to describe different eras, including the presence of soldiers, monarchs, and the resistance during the Spanish Civil War, encapsulated by the phrase 'no pasarán' (they shall not pass).

As the song progresses, it touches on the cultural shifts of the 1960s, with students initiating revolts and the rise of different social groups like rockers and poets, all seeking freedom. The Puerta de Alcalá is portrayed as a constant amidst change, observing the transformation of society and the people who pass by. The narrator feels a connection with the gate, acknowledging that it has seen all facets of life, symbolizing the enduring nature of history and the stories that are woven within the city's fabric.