Una Mujer

Camilo Sesto's song "Una Mujer" is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a woman who once embodied grace, beauty, and strength but has since fallen into despair and neglect. The lyrics begin by reminiscing about the singer's childhood and the moment he met this extraordinary woman. She is described as having a world full of color and fantasy, with a heart so generous that it nourished many. This imagery paints her as a nurturing, almost mythical figure, a 'refuge of souls' who was much more than just a woman.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts dramatically. The woman who was once a beacon of light and love now finds herself in a state of desolation. Her laughter is tired, her home devoid of love, and she is surrounded by indifference. The metaphor of 'dirty mud eating her dwelling' symbolizes the decay and degradation that have taken over her life. Despite her attempts to seek truth and connection, she is met with apathy and isolation. The repeated lines about her being 'much more than a woman' but now 'nothing' emphasize the tragic fall from grace she has experienced.

The final verses reveal the singer's futile attempts to help her. He extends his arms to her repeatedly, but her 'old silk hands' slip away, symbolizing the inevitability of her decline. The imagery of her back being made of asphalt, with life running over it, underscores the harsh reality she faces. The song concludes with a haunting repetition of her former glory and current state of nothingness, leaving the listener with a profound sense of loss and melancholy. Through this narrative, Camilo Sesto explores themes of impermanence, the cruelty of time, and the societal neglect of those who once shone brightly.