Penélope

The song "Penélope" by Joan Manuel Serrat is a poignant narrative that tells the story of a woman who waits endlessly for her lover's return. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Penélope, dressed in her Sunday best, sitting on a bench at the train station, clutching her brown leather bag and fanning herself, as she watches trains come and go, hoping to see her beloved step off one of them. The song captures the essence of a small town where everyone knows about her wait, and the traveler who promised to return before the willow leaves fell, a promise that marks the passage of time and seasons in her life.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Penélope's wait is in vain. Her childhood innocence is symbolized by the stopped clock, and the imagery of a withered garden and the absence of willows on the main street underscores her desolation. Despite the passage of time, her hope remains undiminished, and she continues to wait, even as the people around her become faceless figures, mere 'dolls' in her eyes. The song reaches a climax when the traveler supposedly returns, but the reunion is not what it seems. Penélope does not recognize the man who claims to be her lover, suggesting that time has changed them both, or that her memories and expectations have created an idealized image that no real person could match.

"Penélope" is a powerful exploration of love, hope, and the human capacity for self-deception. It delves into the theme of waiting for something that may never come and the pain of realizing that reality does not always align with our dreams. The song's melancholic melody and evocative lyrics have made it a classic, resonating with anyone who has ever waited for a loved one or clung to a dream that seems increasingly out of reach.