Negrita Martina

Daniel Viglietti's song "Negrita Martina" is a touching and melancholic portrayal of poverty and the struggles faced by a young girl named Martina and her family. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their daily hardships, using simple yet powerful imagery to convey the emotional weight of their situation. The song opens with a gentle call to Martina, asking her to listen to a small song left by the 'king,' a metaphor for a figure of authority or perhaps a symbol of hope. However, this hope is fleeting, as Martina is urged to rest her weary head, tired from waiting for a better life that seems perpetually out of reach.

The second verse delves deeper into the family's struggles. Martina's mother is depicted washing clothes in a stream, working for someone named Leonor, which highlights the menial and exhausting labor she endures. Her father, returning home tired and unsuccessful in selling feather dusters, brings her a flower instead, symbolizing a small, yet poignant gesture of love amidst their dire circumstances. This act underscores the theme of love and care within the family, despite their financial hardships.

The song's chorus brings a stark reality to the forefront. Melchor, one of the Three Wise Men, is aware that Martina needs more than just symbolic gifts; she needs sustenance, represented by bread. The 'king' or wise man of the poor children brings not flour, but a song, emphasizing the gap between their needs and what they receive. The song ends with a repetition of the initial plea for Martina to embrace the small song and rest, encapsulating the ongoing cycle of hope and disappointment. Through its poignant lyrics, "Negrita Martina" sheds light on the resilience and love within a struggling family, while also critiquing the societal structures that perpetuate their poverty.