Dime Dónde Vas Morena
Rolando Alarcon Lyrics

The lyrics of "Dime Donde Vas Morena" or "Tell Me Where You're Going, Brunette" by Rolando Alarcón transport us to the Spanish Civil War, a conflict that began in 1936 and ended in 1939, pitting the Republican government against General Francisco Franco's Nationalists. The song is a narrative of a woman, the brunette, who makes a dangerous night journey to Oviedo prison to visit inmates who are pacifists, held captive by the fascist gang. The first stanza of the song shows us the brunette's determination to fulfill her mission; it's a journey she has made before, and the time is critical, "a las tres de la mañana," at night when anything could happen. As we proceed, the song reveals the brunette's reason for going to the prison - to visit some pacifists. The mention of pacifists implies that the woman is a left-wing activist fighting against the fascist regime that went on to win the war. Furthermore, the use of the word "canallas" or "rascals" to refer to the prison guards becomes a charm that ignites indignation in the hearts of the listeners.

The second stanza of the song reveals further information about the quest of the singer. The lyrics state that if one wishes to marry a local girl, one must go to Madrid and wield a gun. The subtext here is that the war has changed everything, and the authorities would permit no other man in the town unless he is a revolutionary to change the situation in his favor. The third verse shows the brunette feeling sad and despairing, which indicates the prolonged hardship of living in a war-torn place. The subtext is that the brunette has experienced extreme pain and trauma and cannot find the energy to sing. Instead, she cries for her brothers and valiant soldiers whom the fascist gang holds captive.