Madame (ningú no sabia el seu nom)

Lluís Llach's song "Madame (ningú no sabia el seu nom)" paints a vivid and somewhat melancholic picture of a mysterious woman known only as "Madame." The lyrics describe her as an enigmatic figure, whose real name remains unknown to everyone. She is depicted as a tourist, enjoying the beach in her swimsuit, bought from a place called "Samaritan." The imagery of her being round like a walnut, stretched out and sweating, adds a touch of realism and perhaps a hint of vulnerability to her character.

The song delves deeper into Madame's interactions with the young men on the beach. They tease her, calling her beautiful and comparing her to a mermaid, but their compliments are laced with irony. They sing to her, causing her heart to flutter, yet she remains somewhat oblivious, responding only with a smile and showing a tooth. This interaction highlights a sense of detachment and perhaps a longing for genuine connection, as Madame seems to be caught in a world where she is both admired and mocked.

The final verses of the song reveal a poignant aspect of Madame's life. She is portrayed as a collector of memories, with a suitcase full of souvenirs like hats, castanets, cognacs, and handkerchiefs. The envy of her neighbors, who haven't had the fortune to travel and buy a song, underscores a sense of isolation and unfulfilled dreams. Madame's character embodies a blend of mystery, melancholy, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments and unspoken stories.