Princesa

The song 'Princesa' by Joan Manuel Serrat is a poignant narrative that delves into the hopes and dreams a mother has for her daughter, whom she affectionately calls 'princesa' or 'princess.' The lyrics convey a deep sense of aspiration and a desire for the daughter to escape the hardships and limitations of their current life. The mother distinguishes her daughter from the other girls in the neighborhood, seeing her as a rose born among thorns, a symbol of beauty and hope in a harsh environment.

The song's verses reflect the mother's determination that her daughter will not endure the same struggles she faced, such as working tirelessly for meager wages or being worn down by domestic labor and childbearing. Instead, she envisions a future where her daughter rises above their impoverished circumstances, perhaps even returning in a limousine to rescue her from the drudgery of her life. This dream is encapsulated in the image of the mother brushing her daughter's hair, a tender act filled with love and longing for a better future.

The final verse of the song captures a bittersweet moment as the mother watches her daughter leave for her first casting, possibly for a television advertisement. The mother's pride is evident as she smooths out her daughter's dress and watches her walk away, filled with hope that her daughter's talents in modern dance and declamation will be her ticket to a better life. The song is a touching portrayal of a parent's wish for their child to achieve more than they could, and the sacrifices they are willing to make to see that dream come true.