Ay mari cruz

Estrella Morente's song "Ay Mari Cruz" is a poignant flamenco piece that tells the story of Maricruz, a beautiful young woman from the Santa Cruz neighborhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Maricruz as the most beautiful girl in the old Jewish quarter, a place filled with blooming roses and light. Her beauty is so captivating that people come from as far as the Macarena to admire her, and her presence inspires dreams in the hearts of men.

The song takes a dramatic turn when a moonlit night is interrupted by the sound of a guitar and a voice singing a heartfelt serenade to Maricruz. The singer declares his love for her, calling her the wonder of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and comparing her to a red carnation. He professes that his life revolves around her, and he becomes a prisoner of love because of her enchanting eyes. However, this passionate declaration of love is fleeting, like a feather in the wind, and the singer ultimately betrays his promise.

The aftermath of this betrayal is felt deeply in the community. Maricruz leaves without a trace, and her absence is keenly felt by the people who once admired her. The once vibrant neighborhood is now marked by the emptiness of her departure. The song concludes with a poignant image of a man, possibly the one who betrayed her, weeping in his confinement and singing a lament for Maricruz. This final verse underscores the themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of Maricruz's beauty and presence on those who knew her.