Madame Bovary

Susana Zabaleta's song 'Madame Bovary' is a sharp, satirical critique of societal and political issues, using historical and literary references to underscore her points. The song draws parallels between the lives of various 'Madames'—Madame Bovary, Madame Butterfly, Madame Pompadour, and Madame Recamier—and the struggles and hypocrisies faced by ordinary people. By invoking these figures, Zabaleta highlights themes of infidelity, despair, superficiality, and forgotten histories, suggesting that these issues are universal and timeless.

The lyrics delve into the grandiose and often corrupt nature of political power, particularly in Mexico. References to 'sexenio' (a six-year term, typically referring to the presidential term in Mexico) and the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) point to the cyclical nature of political corruption and the heavy toll it takes on the populace. The repeated phrase 'pagamos y pagamos' (we pay and pay) emphasizes the relentless burden placed on citizens, who are left to bear the cost of their leaders' excesses and failures.

Zabaleta's use of vivid, almost grotesque imagery—'desverguenza chabacana' (tacky shamelessness), 'delirante analfabeta' (delirious illiterate), and 'atropófaga violenta' (violent cannibal)—paints a picture of a society that is both absurd and tragic. The song culminates in a powerful outburst, expressing a collective frustration and a desire for change. This raw, unfiltered emotion resonates deeply, capturing the essence of a populace pushed to its limits by systemic injustices and corruption.