Maria Mercè

Pomada's song 'Maria Mercè' is a vibrant and rebellious anthem that captures the essence of living life on one's own terms, despite societal expectations and economic hardships. The lyrics paint a picture of a carefree and unconventional lifestyle, where the protagonist refuses to conform to the monotonous grind of an eight-hour workday. Instead, they choose to spend their money on new shoes, even if it means facing financial instability. This choice reflects a desire to prioritize personal joy and freedom over material security.

The song also touches on the struggle of earning a meager income, or sometimes not earning at all, which is described as 'misèria i companyia' (misery and company). Despite these challenges, the protagonist and their companions reject the idea of investing their lives in a 'plàcida rutina' (placid routine) and 'enganyifaspirina' (deceptive aspirin), which metaphorically represents the numbing effect of a conventional lifestyle. Instead, they find joy in simple pleasures like eating sunflower seeds on the street and celebrating with family, embodying a spirit of resilience and defiance.

The chorus, addressing 'Mª Mercè Mercedites,' suggests a playful and carefree attitude towards life's difficulties. The idea of selling the house and renting instead symbolizes a rejection of traditional notions of stability and success. The song also critiques the rigidity of both work and education systems, emphasizing a preference for tasting a bit of everything and resisting classification. The final verse, where a broken pipe leads to an impromptu vermouth outing, encapsulates the song's overarching theme: finding joy and community in the face of life's unpredictability and challenges.