El Macetero
Antonio Molina
The Flower Vendor's Serenade: A Journey Through Love and Beauty
Antonio Molina's song "El Macetero" is a vibrant and poetic portrayal of a flower vendor's daily life, filled with rich imagery and heartfelt emotions. The song opens with the vendor, or 'macetero,' calling out to the young women to open their balconies as he arrives with his flowers. His 'pregón sandunguero,' or lively street cry, is not just a sales pitch but a melody that enchants hearts, suggesting that his presence and his flowers bring joy and perhaps even romance to the neighborhood.
The lyrics then describe the various flowers the macetero offers, each with its own unique beauty and symbolism. The rose, without thorns, represents a pure and unblemished love, while the 'clavellina' (a type of carnation) and the 'violeta mora' (a type of violet) add to the rich tapestry of scents and colors. The macetero's offerings are not just flowers but tokens of affection and admiration, each chosen to match the beauty and personality of the women he addresses. This personalization of the flowers adds a layer of intimacy and connection between the vendor and his customers.
In the final verses, the macetero addresses specific women, offering them flowers that complement their features and personalities. To the 'morena' with jet-black hair, he brings a beautiful lily, and to the 'carita de rosa' with a jasmine-like mouth, he offers a violet. These gestures highlight the macetero's keen eye for beauty and his ability to see and appreciate the unique qualities of each woman. The song ends with the macetero announcing his departure, leaving behind a trail of fresh and beautiful flowers, and perhaps, a few enchanted hearts.