La Vieja

Los Gallitos' song 'La Vieja' is a playful and humorous narrative that revolves around a peculiar old woman and her unusual pets. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an old woman who keeps various animals under her bed, each reacting in a unique way whenever she prays. The repetition of the phrase 'Una vieja que yo conocía' (An old woman I knew) sets a whimsical tone, making the song feel like a folk tale passed down through generations.

The animals mentioned in the song—a donkey, a dog, a bull, and a rooster—each have their own distinct sounds that they make in response to the old woman's prayers. This creates a rhythmic and almost chant-like quality to the song, which is both engaging and amusing. The donkey brays, the dog barks, the bull bellows, and the rooster crows, each adding a layer of humor and absurdity to the narrative. The song also includes a brief story about a northern donkey that sets off on an adventure, adding another layer of storytelling to the already rich tapestry of the lyrics.

Beyond the humor, 'La Vieja' also touches on themes of memory and betrayal. The lines 'Te acordarás de mí toda la vida' (You will remember me all your life) and 'Tres veces te engañé' (I deceived you three times) introduce a more serious undertone, suggesting a past filled with emotional complexity. These lines hint at a deeper narrative of love, betrayal, and the lasting impact of these experiences. The playful repetition of 'Pica, pica, que pica por detrás' (It stings, it stings from behind) adds a final touch of mischief, leaving listeners with a sense of the old woman's quirky and unpredictable nature.