Canción De Madrugada
Joan Manuel Serrat
The Dawn of Life in Joan Manuel Serrat's 'Canción De Madrugada'
Joan Manuel Serrat's 'Canción De Madrugada' is a poetic depiction of the early morning in a rural village, capturing the serene yet bustling life that begins at dawn. The song opens with the imagery of a trembling, sad voice from a bell tower, signaling the end of the night. This is followed by the awakening of nature, symbolized by a heron searching for food among the fields of wheat and oats. The rooster's crow marks the official end of the night, as the village remains asleep, unaware of the natural world's early stirrings.
The lyrics then shift to the dew-covered leaves in a nearby alfalfa field, which shake off the morning dew as the sun rises. This imagery of nature waking up is juxtaposed with the inevitable fate of the plants, which will soon be harvested. The song also introduces the human element with the crying of a child and the shepherd setting out with his flock and dog. The shepherd's journey across rivers and cabins to the mountains highlights the arduous yet essential tasks that sustain rural life.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the farmer (payés) returning to the village with a cart full of fresh produce. The mule's sweat and the creaking cart symbolize the hard work and dedication of the villagers. The farmer dreams with closed eyes as the sun rises, blinding the elderly women heading to church. Throughout the song, Serrat's voice serves as a constant, singing in the early morning while the village remains asleep, capturing the quiet beauty and labor of rural life at dawn.