Cançó De Matinada
Joan Manuel Serrat
The Dawn of a Village: A Morning Symphony
Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Cançó De Matinada" paints a vivid picture of a village waking up at dawn. The lyrics are rich with imagery and detail, capturing the serene yet bustling moments of early morning. The song begins with the trembling and sad voice of a church bell, signaling the start of a new day. This is followed by the cry of a hungry magpie searching for food among the fields of wheat and barley, and the crowing of a rooster announcing the end of the night. Serrat's gentle voice narrates these scenes, creating a sense of calm and anticipation as the village slowly awakens.
The song continues to describe the natural world coming to life. The leaves in the alfalfa field are wet with dew, shaking off the morning moisture as the sun rises to warm them. This imagery of nature's cycle is juxtaposed with the human activities in the village. A child cries, sheep run through the outskirts, and a shepherd with his dog sets off for new pastures. These scenes are depicted with a sense of routine and continuity, highlighting the interconnectedness of human life and nature.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the farmer returning to the village with a cart full of fresh produce. The mule sweats, the cart creaks, and the farmer dreams with closed eyes as the sun rises, illuminating the elderly women walking to church. Serrat's lyrics capture the essence of rural life, where the simplicity and beauty of daily routines are celebrated. The song ends with the village still asleep, as Serrat continues to sing, encapsulating the peaceful yet vibrant spirit of the morning.