Els Falziots

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Els Falziots' (The Swifts) is a poetic meditation on the indifference of nature to human emotions and events. The swifts, a type of bird, are used as a metaphor for the natural world's autonomy and detachment from human affairs. Serrat's lyrics suggest that the flight of these birds does not influence the wind, the sun, the sea, or the sky. This recurring theme underscores the idea that nature operates independently of human desires and interpretations.

The song's verses explore various natural elements—wind, sun, sea, and sky—each time concluding that the flight of the swifts has no bearing on these elements. For instance, the swifts' flight does not cause the wind to change direction or the sun to set behind the oaks. This repetition emphasizes the insignificance of human concerns in the grand scheme of nature. The refrain, 'tant li fa' (it doesn't matter), reinforces this notion of indifference, suggesting that nature remains unaffected by the presence or absence of the swifts.

Serrat's use of vivid imagery, such as the sun 'crying' when the swifts leave, adds an emotional layer to the song. This personification of natural elements highlights the contrast between human emotions and nature's indifference. The final lines challenge the listener to consider the meaning of the swifts' flight, ultimately suggesting that it holds no significance beyond its own existence. Through 'Els Falziots,' Serrat invites us to reflect on our place in the natural world and the often-overlooked reality that nature continues its course, indifferent to our presence and emotions.