Cuento de Hadas

Chava Flores, a beloved Mexican composer and singer, is known for his humorous and satirical songs that often reflect the everyday life and struggles of the common people. In 'Cuento de Hadas,' Flores uses the framework of a fairy tale to deliver a poignant commentary on poverty and the harsh realities faced by many. The song begins with a nostalgic setting, where children gather to hear stories of castles, swords, and witches, only to be met with a tale that starkly contrasts the usual magical narratives.

The story within the song revolves around a queen and her husband, the king, who are struggling to make ends meet. Despite his royal title, the king earns a meager salary of thirty pesos a month, which is insufficient to sustain a regal lifestyle. The queen is depicted in a sorrowful state, crying in a dark room because they can't even afford to pay for electricity. This imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the disillusionment and hardships faced by those who are supposed to be in positions of power and privilege but are, in reality, just as vulnerable as anyone else.

The arrival of a modern fairy, who uses DDT to rid the queen's dog of fleas, adds a layer of irony to the story. Instead of providing a magical solution, the fairy ends up eating the leftover food and causing more trouble. This twist highlights the futility of relying on magical or external interventions to solve real-world problems. The queen's eventual decision to pawn her crown and the fairy's wand underscores the theme of sacrifice and the lengths to which people go to survive. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of their fate, encapsulated in the line 'yo por eso no quiero ser rey,' which translates to 'that's why I don't want to be a king.' This ending serves as a sobering reminder that titles and appearances can be deceiving, and true happiness and stability are often found in the simplest of lives.