Mare Lola

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Mare Lola' paints a poignant picture of the daily life of a woman named Lola, who embodies the silent struggles and sacrifices of many women. The song begins with Lola waking up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her husband, and getting her children ready for school. This early morning routine sets the tone for her day, filled with endless chores and responsibilities. The lyrics highlight the monotony and the unrecognized labor that Lola endures, emphasizing that no one writes her story, and she is considered 'poca cosa, quasi res' (little thing, almost nothing).

As the day progresses, Lola's dreams and desires are fleeting, symbolized by her wish to escape and do nothing for a moment. However, these dreams are quickly overshadowed by the reality of her duties, represented by the pile of laundry she must attend to. The song captures the essence of her unfulfilled aspirations and the constant demands placed upon her. The imagery of the trees and the laundry serves as a metaphor for her trapped existence, where her personal desires are always secondary to her responsibilities.

By the end of the day, when the street is quiet and the sun has set, Lola finally gets a moment to herself. Yet, even in this brief respite, she is aware of her husband's expectations. The song closes with a sense of resignation and hope, as Lola wishes for a better tomorrow, even though she knows that her routine will likely remain unchanged. Serrat's 'Mare Lola' is a tribute to the unsung heroines whose stories are often overlooked, shedding light on the emotional and physical labor that defines their lives.