La Marieta

The song "La Marieta" by Hermanos Zaizar is a traditional Mexican folk song that tells the story of a young woman named Marieta who is advised against being flirtatious. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale, warning Marieta that men can be deceitful and that their promises of gifts often lead to disappointment or worse, symbolized by the phrase "lo que dan son puros palos," which translates to "all they give are sticks," implying harm or betrayal.

The song also touches on the societal expectations of women's behavior and appearance during the time it was written. Marieta's mother advises her to stop trying to be pretentious, to let her hair grow, and to avoid wearing short dresses, as these are seen as invitations for unwanted attention. The narrative suggests that a woman's modesty is tied to her respectability, a common theme in many cultures and historical periods.

Throughout the song, Marieta's experiences illustrate the consequences of not heeding her mother's advice. She encounters trouble while running errands, gets into trouble for losing money, and even risks her safety by attending a bullfight without her mother's knowledge. The repeated chorus serves as a reminder of the song's central message: that coquetry can lead to undesirable outcomes. The song, while seemingly simple, reflects deeper cultural norms and the gender dynamics of its time.