Uno de Aquellos

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Uno de Aquellos' is a poetic tribute to individuals who possess a boundless spirit and a universal soul. The lyrics celebrate those who transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, embodying a sense of global unity and human solidarity. Serrat's evocative language paints a picture of a person whose essence is as vast and varied as the world itself, filled with horizons, ships, and mountain ranges. This person is described as having a soul 'sin fronteras'—without borders—suggesting an innate ability to connect with people and places far and wide.

The song also touches on themes of patriotism and activism. The line 'Las patrias te llamaron con todas sus banderas' (The homelands called you with all their flags) implies that this individual is summoned by various nations, symbolizing a call to action for justice and peace. The imagery of 'apaciguar la sed de las panteras' (quenching the thirst of the panthers) and 'flameaste henchido contra sus atropellos' (you flamed, filled against their outrages) suggests a struggle against oppression and a fight for a better world. This person is portrayed as a beacon of hope and resistance, someone who stands tall against injustice.

Serrat's use of natural metaphors further enriches the song's meaning. Describing the person as having 'un sabor a todos los soles y los mares' (a taste of all the suns and seas) and 'tu majestad de árbol que abraza un continente' (your majesty of a tree that embraces a continent) emphasizes their universal appeal and enduring strength. The imagery of olive groves growing through their bones symbolizes peace and unity, reinforcing the idea that this individual is a unifying force in a divided world. 'Uno de Aquellos' is a powerful ode to those rare souls who inspire and uplift humanity through their boundless spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.