The song "La Tieta" by Joan Manuel Serrat tells the story of an elderly woman, referred to as "La Tieta," which means "aunt" in Catalan. The lyrics depict the life and emotions of this woman as she goes through her daily routine and reflects on her past. The song begins by describing how the wind wakes her up abruptly in the morning, and she realizes that her bed feels long and cold without someone beside her. She longs for the touch of another hand but ends up feeling alone and empty, much like yesterday and tomorrow. The lyrics portray her loneliness as a faithful lover who knows every detail of her body, fold by fold. She listens to the meowing of an old and neutered cat that sleeps on her lap during long winter evenings. The song goes on to mention a forgotten missal on her bedside table and a half-empty glass of water, symbols of solitude and neglect. A broken mirror reminds her of how time has passed and how years have flown by, as dreams of youth have vanished and wrinkles appear on her skin. The building's caretaker smiles as she walks by, hinting at the pride of having someone to warm her bed. The daily routine of catching the bus to work at a lazy lawyer's office is mentioned, hinting at a past relationship that is now nothing but a distant memory. The lyrics also describe "La Tieta" as someone who always has a plate of food during Christmas but who might not have anyone when she falls ill. She has no children of her own and says, "Everything is fine" and "It doesn't matter." On Palm Sunday, she buys her godson a long white palm leaf and a pair of socks, and they go to church together to praise Jesus entering Jerusalem. She gives him twenty coins to open a savings account, as she has always been frugal. The song ends on a melancholic note, mentioning that one day she will have to die, just like everyone else. She will be taken by a severe cold to a deep hole. By that time, she will have paid for her niche and casket, the chants of the clergy, and the funeral masses. The flowers that will follow her burial are something often forgotten by people. The lyrics highlight the beauty of flowers hanging with black ribbons and friends walking behind, only to be forgotten by others. "La Tieta" is a poignant song that explores themes of loneliness, aging, and the inevitable passage of time. It captures the essence of a woman who has lived a simple life but is left unnoticed by society.
