Modesta Ayala

The song "Modesta Ayala" by Bertín Y Lalo is a narrative ballad that tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman named Modesta Ayala. The lyrics describe their encounters and the man's deep affection for her. The song begins with the man meeting Modesta on a Sunday in the streets of Iguala, where she tells him she came by train from Tetecala. The mention of specific places gives the song a sense of authenticity and roots it in a particular cultural setting.

As the song progresses, the man describes Modesta as beautiful and admits she has stolen his heart. However, the fleeting nature of their time together is highlighted when Modesta leaves on a train the following day. The man, left pondering her love, eventually travels to Tetecala, where he finds her home, marked by a sign with her name. The lyrics convey a sense of destiny and longing as the man arrives at her doorstep, only to find Modesta sitting there, as if waiting for him.

The song concludes with the man expressing his desire to work for Modesta's family and his hope that she will become his wife. The humble description of his attire and his willingness to work for her affection underscore the themes of love, dedication, and the simplicity of rural life. The man's declaration that Modesta will be his wife 'as long as God grants him permission' adds a spiritual dimension to his commitment, suggesting that their union is not only a matter of personal desire but also of divine will.