Muchacha de Bernal

“Muchacha de Bernal” by Don Lunfardo Y El Señor Otario is a poetic narrative that captures a fleeting yet impactful encounter between the narrator and a girl from Bernal. The song begins with the narrator describing a gray Thursday afternoon in Plaza Italia, where he finds himself lost. Amidst the smoke, he spots the girl under a tree, engrossed in reading Bukowski, a writer known for his raw and often painful depictions of life. This sets the tone for the girl's character—someone who is introspective and perhaps dealing with her own struggles.

As the narrator approaches her, he learns that she has recently moved from Bernal to La Plata to study. Despite his attempts to impress her with stories, she remains unimpressed, urging him to talk about something more relevant to their current surroundings. This interaction highlights her grounded nature and desire for authenticity. The song then shifts to a more intimate setting, describing the girl's room and the beginning of a metaphorical battle for her heart. The imagery of trenches and battles suggests the emotional intensity and vulnerability involved in their connection.

The narrative takes a darker turn as the girl experiences a frightening moment one April evening, symbolizing a loss or a significant emotional upheaval. The mention of Satan singing a lullaby and seeing the face of God on a grimy pension terrace adds a surreal and almost apocalyptic layer to the story. The song concludes with the narrator watching the girl from Bernal descend, describing her as splendid and fleeting, like a moment that is beautiful but cannot last. The repetition of “nada más” (nothing more) at the end emphasizes the transient nature of their encounter and the lingering sense of emptiness.