Romancillo De Mayo

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Romancillo De Mayo' is a vivid celebration of the arrival of May, a month traditionally associated with renewal, growth, and love. The lyrics paint a picturesque scene of a village coming to life with the vibrant colors and scents of spring. The imagery of 'correhuelas y albahacas' (bindweed and basil) at the entrance of the village and on the windowsills sets the stage for a time of rejuvenation and romance. The guitars, adorned with 'cintas de amor' (ribbons of love), and the strings tied with 'lazos de rabia' (knots of rage), symbolize the passionate and sometimes tumultuous nature of love that May brings.

The song delves into the natural world, where even the animals are affected by the season's changes. The 'estruendo de vacas' (uproar of cows) in the stables, the goats shedding their coats, and the sheep changing their wool all reflect the transformative power of May. This transformation is not just physical but also emotional, as the youth experience new intentions and words, driven by the awakening of love. The 'asnos suspirando' (donkeys sighing) for their mates adds a touch of humor and relatability, emphasizing that love's longing is universal.

Serrat's lyrics also highlight the beauty of the natural world during this time. The nights are described as 'vidrio de puro claras' (purely clear as glass), and the mornings as 'miel de puro doradas' (purely golden honey). These descriptions evoke a sense of purity and perfection, suggesting that May is a time when everything is at its most beautiful. The recurring theme of love is evident as it 'ronda majadas' (roams the folds), 'ronda establos y pastores' (roams stables and shepherds), and 'ronda mozas en el baile' (roams the girls at the dance). This personification of love as a roaming presence underscores its pervasive and all-encompassing nature during this season.