Más Guapa Que Cualquiera (part. Fito Paez)

Joaquín Sabina's song "Más Guapa Que Cualquiera," featuring Fito Paez, is a poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the hidden beauty within those who are often overlooked by society. The song introduces us to three women—Soledad, Esperanza, and Inmaculada—each with their own stories of solitude and unfulfilled desires. Through these characters, Sabina paints a vivid picture of the human condition, marked by a longing for connection and the fleeting nature of hope.

Soledad, whose name means 'solitude,' is depicted as a woman isolated like a battered port. She collects sad butterflies and addresses of non-existent streets, symbolizing her disconnection from reality and her inner sadness. Despite her loneliness, she makes an exception and dances with the narrator, only to forget him in the midst of a tender moment. This fleeting connection underscores the transient nature of human relationships and the pain of being forgotten.

Esperanza, meaning 'hope,' ironically has none when it comes to men. She collects tragic loves and mutilated toy soldiers, representing her broken heart and disillusionment. One night, she decides to test the purpose of her heart, only to see her hope vanish like smoke from a cigarette. This imagery highlights the fragility of hope and the ease with which it can be extinguished.

Inmaculada, a prostitute, dreams of being loved and escaping her life of loveless kisses. She collects summer clouds and tulle veils, symbolizing her ephemeral dreams and the decay of her aspirations. Despite her circumstances, the narrator recalls her with a sense of nostalgia and warmth, emphasizing that her beauty was not in her appearance but in her spirit and the moments they shared.

The recurring refrain, "Más guapa que cualquiera," asserts that these women, though not conventionally beautiful, possess a unique and profound beauty that surpasses superficial standards. Sabina's lyrics invite us to look beyond appearances and recognize the inherent worth and beauty in every individual, especially those who live on the fringes of society.