Como Un Gorrión

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Como Un Gorrión' paints a vivid picture of a small, brown-haired girl who embodies the spirit of a sparrow. The lyrics describe her as delicate and free-spirited, with a mix of tenderness and sadness. This imagery of the sparrow, a common bird known for its independence and resilience, serves as a metaphor for the girl's character. She moves through life with a sense of freedom, unbound by societal constraints, much like a sparrow flitting from branch to branch or balcony to balcony.

The song delves deeper into the girl's nature, highlighting her instinctual way of living. She is portrayed as someone who was born free, without a master or a boss, and who follows her instincts. This is further emphasized by the lines describing her as a 'pajarillo errante' (wandering bird) who drinks from ponds and never eats from the singer's hand. This suggests a strong sense of independence and self-reliance, as she does not conform to the expectations or demands of others.

Serrat also contrasts the girl's life with that of other birds, such as the canary and the falcon. The canary, often kept in cages, symbolizes a life of confinement and restriction, while the falcon represents power and dominance. However, the girl does not envy either; she prefers to 'fly low' and maintain her humble, unassuming existence. This choice reflects a contentment with her simple, free life, and a rejection of both subjugation and the pursuit of power. The song ultimately celebrates the beauty of living authentically and staying true to one's nature, much like the sparrow it so lovingly describes.