Madrid to Benidorm: a pride anthem from the coast to the capital

Madrid to Benidorm is a good few hours by road. In this song you cover them dancing under a rainbow.

Madrid to Benidorm is one of my English-language tracks and, for me, one of the brightest in the GAYFOLK universe. It's a pride anthem with no double edges: no exes to point at, no spite, no irony. What you get here is celebration, community and the urge to take to the streets.

The lyrics start in the streets of Spain, where the spirit won't be tamed, and place the heart of it all in Madrid, beating strong. Then they open up to every colour, every shade, to the idea of being together and true to yourself. There's a simple line that moves me: «Love wins, come what may».

A chorus for the float

The chorus is the kind made to be chanted in a group: dancing under the rainbow from Madrid to Benidorm, with pride in every word and through any storm. And from Spain the call goes out to anyone who wants to listen, because with the colours of love fears are wiped away. I picture it blaring from a float, with lots of people around shouting the Benidorm part.

That particular route amuses me. Madrid, with its enormous Pride and its packed streets, and Benidorm, with its beach, its sun and its very particular atmosphere. Two very different places joined by the same song, as if the party started in the capital and ended on the coast.

The bridge talks about those who have been rejected, about every heart that was denied something, and promises them an ocean of love where everyone can let the tide carry them. It's a very beautiful and very necessary idea, above all for anyone who still lives somewhere they don't feel free.

I'd put it on in June, of course, but also any other day of the year when you need to remember you're not alone. Dedicated to anyone who travels miles to be who they are, even if just for a weekend. Turn the volume up and take someone by the hand.

The full lyrics are below. Listen on Spotify