The songs of the Auvergne, as arranged by Canteloube, are, much like jazz

and blues, a study in cultural influences. The songs of Auvergne are

sung in the langue d'oc, the language used by troubadors, which has left

traces in nearly every European language. The music shows this mix

of European heritages, as well as Arabic and Celtic influences. Canteloube's

own background adds yet another influence to the music, that of his day

and age.

This song is one of the strongest examples of the mixture of Moorish/

Spanish and Western influences on the music of the Auvergne. The vocal

line uses many intervals more common in Andalusian (Moorish and Spanish)

music than in more Europeanized music, but the instrumental lines are

more western, almost impressionistic.

A shepherdess who has been deserted by her lover (the title means "the

deserted womam"), waits for him to come, and as night comes, she is still

alone, crying. The heavy mood is set by the minor key and the mournful,

slow vocal lines, which convey the sense of hopeless waiting.

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