The story of 'La Flaca' and Pau Donés' immortal songs

Few songs have captured the imagination of the Catalan public as 'La Flaca', a love letter to Cuba written in 1995 by Pau Donés, the leader and singer of the rock band Jarabe de Palo. In the wake of his death, we explore Donés' most iconic songs, including immortal hits like 'Bonito' and 'Depende', as well as some of his later works written during his 5-year fight against cancer.

La Flaca

'La Flaca' (the skinny woman) was written by Donés on a trip to Cuba and became the band's first hit, earning them a platinum record. It tells the story of a Cuban woman who used to dance at an outdoor nightclub known as La Tasca. The chorus remains one of the most well-known lines in Catalan and Spanish music: "I would do anything for a kiss from la flaca. For a kiss from her, even if it was just one".

Grita

"Loosen up and tell me, because that's what we're here for, for the good times and the bad times," sings Donés in 'Grita' (Shout), a song included in the band's first album and often played at the end of their concerts in their last gigs.

Depende

A hit single and the title track of Jarabe de Palo's second album, 'Depende' became an instant classic. The catchy chorus (Depende, de qué depende? - "It depends. What does it depend on?") remains ingrained in the minds of Spanish-speakers worldwide. 

Bonito

Bonito. Todo me parece bonito. (Beautiful. Everything seems beautiful to me.) Another immortal chorus by Pau Donés, and another cheerful song that became a hit. It is perhaps Jarabe de Palos' most popular song, second only to 'La Flaca'.

Eso que tú me das

Jarabe de Palo's last video clip, released only two weeks before Donés' passing. The lyrics can be read as a homage to the fans that accompanied him throughout his career: "Thanks for being there, for your friendship and company. You're the best thing life has given me. For all the things I got, being here is worth it. Thanks to you, I kept swimming against the current."