Sería Fantástico
Joan Manuel Serrat
The Utopian Dream in Serrat's 'Sería Fantástico'
Joan Manuel Serrat's 'Sería Fantástico' is a song that delves into the realm of wishful thinking, painting a picture of an ideal world that starkly contrasts with reality. The Spanish singer-songwriter, known for his poetic lyrics and social commentary, uses a series of hypothetical scenarios to express a longing for a fairer and more humane society. The song's title, which translates to 'It Would Be Fantastic,' sets the tone for a series of aspirations that are both personal and universal.
The lyrics express a desire for a world where common frustrations and injustices are absent. Serrat dreams of a place where honesty prevails, where the underprivileged inherit wealth, and where the best outcomes are realized without the influence of power or violence. The song's refrain of 'it would be fantastic' becomes a mantra for the impossible, highlighting the gap between this utopian vision and the world as we know it. Serrat's use of simple, everyday desires, such as not being cheated at the market or finding a public restroom unoccupied, serves to ground these lofty ideals in the mundane experiences of daily life.
Serrat's song is not just a list of wishes; it's a subtle critique of societal norms and a call to action. By imagining a world where 'everyone were children of God,' he advocates for equality and challenges the listener to consider their role in perpetuating or changing the status quo. The song's closing lines, which speak to the hope that others might share this vision and become the embodiment of one's ideals, underscore the notion that change begins with individual transformation and collective agreement.