Cenicienta De Porcelana

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Cenicienta De Porcelana" paints a vivid picture of a woman trapped in a life of superficiality and pretense. The title itself, translating to "Porcelain Cinderella," suggests fragility and an artificial, delicate beauty. The lyrics describe a woman who is confined within her own perfect skin, sold to an older man, and living a life of luxury and idleness. This Cinderella is not the fairy tale heroine but rather a symbol of a woman who has sacrificed her freedom and authenticity for material comfort and societal approval.

Serrat uses powerful metaphors to convey the woman's plight. She is described as "perfumada y compacta" (perfumed and compact), highlighting her polished exterior but hinting at the emptiness within. The line "piensa con la vagina" (thinks with her vagina) is a stark commentary on how her value is reduced to her physical attributes and sexuality. The song criticizes her for being a "pirata del oficio" (pirate of the trade), suggesting that she manipulates her beauty and charm to navigate her world, yet remains uncommitted and detached.

The song also touches on the inevitable passage of time and the loneliness that awaits. The Cinderella of porcelain is warned that despite her efforts to maintain her appearance, she will lose her shoe before midnight, symbolizing the loss of her facade and the arrival of reality. The imagery of being "encerrada en tu piel" (trapped in your skin) and the impending "naufragio" (shipwreck) in her "amable burdel" (pleasant brothel) underscores the futility of her existence. Serrat's lyrics are a poignant critique of a life lived in pursuit of superficial goals, urging a deeper reflection on authenticity and self-worth.