A Filla

A Roda's song 'A Filla' is a striking example of Galician folk music that delves into themes of societal judgment and the harsh realities faced by women. The lyrics, sung in Galician, paint a vivid and somewhat grotesque picture of a young woman who is harshly judged by her physical appearance and perceived worth. The repeated refrain, 'E collín-na por un brazo e leveina xunto a nai,' which translates to 'And I took her by the arm and brought her to her mother,' underscores the societal expectation for women to be under the control and supervision of their families, particularly their mothers.

The song uses vivid and somewhat disturbing imagery to describe the young woman. The line 'Mireille pra cara soio tiña un dente' ('I looked at her face, she only had one tooth') and 'Parecía o demo en forma de xente' ('She looked like the devil in human form') highlight the harsh and superficial judgments placed upon her. This imagery serves as a metaphor for how society often dehumanizes those who do not conform to its standards of beauty and behavior.

Further, the lyrics 'Un niño de porcos que e la había tido' ('A nest of pigs that she had') and 'Que bonitas cordas pra meu violín' ('What beautiful strings for my violin') use animalistic and objectifying language to describe the young woman, reducing her to something less than human. This dehumanization is a powerful commentary on how women are often viewed and treated in society. The song's dark humor and satirical tone force the listener to confront these uncomfortable truths, making 'A Filla' a poignant and thought-provoking piece.