Penélope

The song 'Penélope' by Banda El Grullo tells a poignant story of a woman named Penélope who is trapped in an endless cycle of waiting for her lost love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Penélope, with her brown leather bag, high heels, and Sunday dress, sitting on a bench at the train station. She waits for the first train, fanning herself, as the townspeople whisper about a traveler who promised to return to her before the leaves fell from the willows. This promise, however, remains unfulfilled, and Penélope's life becomes a testament to her unwavering hope and tragic patience.

The song delves into the emotional and psychological toll of waiting. Penélope's eyes light up at the sound of a distant train whistle, but as each train passes, she realizes that none of the passengers are her beloved. The townspeople say that the traveler eventually returns, finding Penélope still waiting on her green pine bench. He calls out to her, claiming to be her long-lost love, but Penélope, with eyes filled with memories of the past, does not recognize him. She dismisses him, believing he is not the one she has been waiting for, and continues her vigil at the station.

'Penélope' is a powerful narrative about the pain of unfulfilled promises and the resilience of hope. The song uses the metaphor of the stopped clock to symbolize Penélope's life coming to a standstill the moment her lover left. The imagery of the withered flowers in her garden and the absence of willows in the main street further emphasize the desolation and stagnation that have taken over her life. This haunting ballad captures the essence of waiting and the sorrow of a love that never returns, making it a deeply moving piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss and longing.