Testamento de Miércoles

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Testamento de Miércoles" is a poetic and introspective piece that delves into the themes of legacy, introspection, and the passage of time. The song is structured as a testament, but not in the traditional sense of a final will. Instead, it is a reflection on the transient nature of life and the small, often overlooked, elements that make up our daily existence. Serrat's lyrical craftsmanship shines through as he weaves together metaphors and vivid imagery to convey his thoughts and emotions.

The song begins with Serrat clarifying that this testament is not the usual conclusion of a life but rather a fragile legacy that is only relevant at the end of a day. He bequeaths to Thursday the anxieties of Tuesday, slightly altered by dreams and an inevitable sadness. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the song, where Serrat lists various intangible and tangible items he wishes to leave behind. These include a cloud of mosquitoes, a battery-less computer, and his solitude, which he hopes his heirs will not accept. The items he mentions are symbolic, representing the burdens, regrets, and fleeting moments that define human experience.

Serrat's testament also includes more abstract elements, such as the blue creak of his hinges, a slice of his light shadow, and the rain he observes but does not feel. These metaphors highlight the ephemeral and often paradoxical nature of life. He also mentions a washed neck, ready for a Thursday of hanging or guillotine, and a demeanor that he is unsure whether it is modesty, unhealthy stupidity, or joy. This ambiguity reflects the complexity of human emotions and the difficulty in understanding oneself fully.

Towards the end of the song, Serrat acknowledges that he has many stories left to tell, some of which may be forgotten. He decides to leave these stories for another testament, perhaps on Friday, indicating that the process of reflection and legacy is ongoing and never truly complete. "Testamento de Miércoles" is a beautifully crafted song that invites listeners to ponder their own legacies and the transient nature of life, wrapped in Serrat's signature poetic style and introspective depth.