Canción De Cuna
Joan Manuel Serrat
A Lullaby of Memories and Heritage
Joan Manuel Serrat's "Canción De Cuna" is a poignant and evocative song that delves deep into themes of memory, heritage, and the enduring bond between mother and child. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rural life filled with hardships and sacrifices, yet also rich in love and familial connections. The recurring refrain, "Por la mañana rocío, al mediodía calor, por la tarde los mosquitos: no quiero ser labrador," serves as a lament for the grueling life of a farmer, a sentiment passed down through generations.
The song is deeply personal, reflecting on the singer's own childhood and the sacrifices made by his mother. The imagery of the mother giving up her own food to provide for her child is a powerful testament to maternal love and selflessness. The mention of the grandfather and the brothers who died in the war adds layers of historical and familial context, highlighting the enduring impact of past generations on the present.
Serrat's lyrics also touch on themes of displacement and longing. The mother, described as a daughter of the dry wind and barren land, is portrayed as someone who has been forced to leave her homeland but never forgets it. The desire to return and die in the land of her birth, listening to the song of the alionines, underscores a deep connection to one's roots and the pain of exile. This song is not just a lullaby but a rich tapestry of personal and collective memory, woven with love, loss, and an unbreakable bond to the land and family.