"Princesa" by Joan Manuel Serrat is a song that tells the story of a young girl who is different from others in her neighborhood. The song expresses admiration for her uniqueness and dreams of a better life for her. The lyrics describe how the girl stands out among the other girls in the neighborhood. The men notice her and the jealous neighbors gossip about her. The narrator assures her that she is not like the others, but rather a rose among thorns. She was born into a harsh environment where hope is constantly shattered. The narrator promises the girl that she will not suffer the same fate as others who have been mistreated and unloved. He doesn't want her to experience the struggles he went through, with low-paying jobs and poverty. He envisions a better future for her where she doesn't have to clean floors or end up like her tired and burdened mother. The narrator expresses his determination to protect the girl from a life of hardship and poverty. He promises that she will not have to live her life on her knees, scrubbing floors. Instead, he envisions her riding in luxury cars, leaving the neighborhood and the gossiping neighbors behind. In the end, the song portrays a bittersweet scene where the girl is leaving for her first casting for a television advertisement. She is described as talented, studying modern dance and declamation. The narrator believes in her potential and hopes that she will find success and escape the poverty and struggles that have surrounded her. Ultimately, "Princesa" is a song about a father or a father figure who wants to protect and guide a young girl towards a better life. It speaks to the dreams, hopes, and desires of a person who wants their loved one to have a brighter future.
