Cosas de Doña Asunción

José Luis Perales' song "Cosas de Doña Asunción" paints a vivid picture of life in a small town, focusing on the daily routines and social interactions of its inhabitants. The song opens with a scene set at five in the afternoon, where a group of townspeople, including the teacher, the pharmacist, the priest, and Doña Asunción, gather for a game of canasta and some conversation. This setting immediately establishes a sense of community and tradition, highlighting the importance of social gatherings in maintaining the fabric of small-town life.

The lyrics delve into the nature of the conversations that take place during these gatherings, which often revolve around local gossip and observations about their neighbors. For instance, they discuss the surprising career choice of Don Ramón's son, who has become a shepherd despite his apparent intelligence. Doña Asunción also shares her suspicions about someone she saw lurking in an alley, and the group reminisces about past events, such as the late-night wedding of Doña Engracia. These snippets of dialogue reveal the characters' curiosity and concern for their community, as well as their tendency to speculate and judge.

As the evening progresses, the song captures the passage of time and the inevitable end of the gathering. The participants bid each other farewell, with the teacher leaving first and the others following suit. Despite the occasional awkward moments, such as the pharmacist blushing and the priest asking for forgiveness, the group remains bonded by their shared routines and traditions. The song concludes with a sense of continuity, as they plan to meet again the next day for more canasta and coffee, underscoring the cyclical nature of their lives and the enduring importance of these social rituals.