La Tía Soltera

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'La Tía Soltera' paints a poignant and melancholic portrait of a solitary woman, often referred to as 'la tieta' (the aunt). The lyrics delve into the daily life and inner world of this woman, who wakes up to the cold emptiness of her bed, symbolizing her enduring loneliness. The wind's sudden gusts and the cold sheets emphasize her isolation, while her search for another hand in the bed, only to find none, underscores her perpetual solitude. Her only constant companion is her own solitude, which knows her intimately, 'pliegue a pliegue, palmo a palmo' (fold by fold, inch by inch).

The song further explores her mundane routine, marked by the presence of a neutered, old cat that sleeps on her lap during the long winter nights. This image of the cat, along with the half-empty glass of water and the cracked mirror, symbolizes her stagnant and unchanging life. The mirror's reflection reminds her of the passage of time and the lost dreams of her youth, as she notices the physical signs of aging. The portera's (doorkeeper's) smile, filled with a sense of pride for having someone to warm her bed, contrasts sharply with 'la tieta's' own unfulfilled life.

'La Tía Soltera' also touches on her role within the family and society. She is the dependable aunt who always has a plate ready during Christmas, yet she is also the one who is forgotten when she falls ill. Her life is marked by selflessness, as she cares for her nephews and nieces, buys them gifts, and saves money for them. Despite her sacrifices, she remains unappreciated and alone. The song concludes with a somber reflection on her inevitable death, which will be as unremarkable as her life. The detailed preparations for her funeral, including the paid-for niche, coffin, and flowers, highlight her meticulous nature and the often-overlooked beauty of such gestures. In the end, 'la tieta' will be forgotten, her life summed up in a brief obituary.