Las majas del bergantin

Les Luthiers, an Argentine comedy-musical group, are known for their satirical and humorous takes on various subjects. 'Las Majas del Bergantín' is a perfect example of their unique style, blending music, comedy, and clever wordplay. The song is a parody of a zarzuela, a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, often incorporating operatic and popular songs. The narrative revolves around a Spanish brigantine transporting female prisoners, who are part of a pirate crew, to be judged in Cádiz. The mariners' interactions with these prisoners and the looming threat of the pirate Raúl's ship create a backdrop for a series of comedic exchanges and musical numbers.

The lyrics are filled with absurdity and humor, starting with the convoluted backstory of the zarzuela's creation, which is a parody in itself. The mariners sing proudly about their ship's resilience against the wind, only to humorously complain about seasickness. The dialogue between the captain and the crew is laden with puns and misunderstandings, such as the confusion over nautical terms and the captain's exaggerated sense of Spanish pride. The mariners' request to let the prisoners on deck leads to a series of comedic mishaps, highlighting the sailors' desperation and the captain's strict adherence to protocol.

The song also features a playful exchange between the mariners and the prisoners, with the sailors switching between masculine and feminine voices to simulate a dialogue. This not only showcases Les Luthiers' vocal versatility but also adds to the farcical nature of the performance. The climax involves a humorous standoff with the pirate Raúl, where the crew's fear and the captain's attempts to maintain order result in a chaotic yet hilarious resolution. The song ends on a melancholic yet comedic note, with the mariners lamenting the loss of the prisoners and their love, only to be comforted by the prospect of forgetting them with liquor.

'Las Majas del Bergantín' is a masterful blend of music and comedy, reflecting Les Luthiers' ability to entertain while cleverly satirizing traditional forms. The song's humor lies in its exaggerated characters, witty dialogue, and the absurdity of the situations, making it a delightful piece for audiences who appreciate both musical and comedic artistry.