Orquesta de Señoritas

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Orquesta de Señoritas' paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, filled with nostalgia and melancholy. The lyrics transport the listener to an old café in the Once neighborhood, which Serrat likens to the Chacarita Cemetery, a place known for its somber atmosphere. This café, with its marble and bronze decor, hosted an all-female orchestra that played pasodobles and rancheritas, genres that evoke traditional and folk music. The imagery of the café and the orchestra serves as a metaphor for a time that is both cherished and mourned, highlighting the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.

The song delves into the lives of the women in the orchestra, who are described as moving like dolls with a 'tristísima compostura' (very sad composure). This portrayal suggests a sense of resignation and sorrow, as these women perform not out of passion but necessity, to make a living. The repeated refrain, 'Quien no fue mujer ni trabajador piensa que el de ayer fue un tiempo mejor' (Those who were neither women nor workers think that the past was a better time), challenges the romanticization of the past. It underscores the hardships faced by women and workers, who often had to endure difficult circumstances.

Serrat's lyrics also touch on the theme of disappearance and oblivion. The women of the orchestra eventually vanish, taking a tram 'para el olvido' (to oblivion), symbolizing how easily the struggles and stories of ordinary people can be forgotten. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of remembering those who came before us. Through 'Orquesta de Señoritas,' Serrat not only captures the essence of a specific time and place but also invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of memory and history.