Spain

Al Jarreau's song 'Spain' is a beautiful exploration of nostalgia and rekindled love, set against the backdrop of a romanticized Spain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of past memories, with the protagonist reminiscing about a love that once was. The imagery of 'a photograph of yesterday' with 'edges folded' and 'corners faded sepia brown' evokes a sense of time passing and memories becoming cherished yet distant. This photograph symbolizes the remnants of a past relationship, a 'post script to its ending,' highlighting the bittersweet nature of looking back on what once was.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts from mere reminiscence to a hopeful rekindling of love. The protagonist envisions 'brighter days' where 'every song we sang is sung again,' suggesting a renewal of the relationship. The repetition of 'I can remember' and 'I can recall' emphasizes the vividness of these memories and the strong emotional connection to them. The mention of 'Spain' serves as a metaphor for a place of joy and passion, where the love was once vibrant and alive. The 'rain in December' and 'leaves of brown on the ground' add a seasonal element, symbolizing the passage of time and the cycles of love.

The song's chorus and verses are interspersed with musical solos and scat singing, a hallmark of Al Jarreau's jazz-influenced style. This musicality adds to the dreamlike quality of the lyrics, making the memories feel almost tangible. The recurring imagery of 'hearts beat like castanets' and 'eyes meet mine and they dance to the melody' reinforces the idea of love as a dance, a rhythmic and harmonious connection. The song ultimately conveys a sense of enduring love, where past joys and future hopes intertwine, creating a timeless and heartfelt narrative.