Cançó Per A La Meva Mestra

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Cançó Per A La Meva Mestra" is a heartfelt tribute to a teacher who played a significant role in the singer's childhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a classroom from the past, filled with the simple yet profound elements of early education: inkpots, desks, blackboards, and the teacher's white apron. The song opens with a nostalgic greeting, "Bon dia, mestra," evoking the daily routine and the warmth of the teacher's presence. This greeting is not just a formality but a symbol of the comfort and stability that the teacher provided to her students.

The song delves deeper into the personal memories of the singer, revealing a child's innocent infatuation with the teacher. The lyrics describe how the singer's eyes would wander to the teacher's knees, a subtle yet poignant metaphor for the child's admiration and the innocent curiosity of youth. Despite the strictness of the teacher, who made the children go to church and took away their licorice, the classroom was a small, wonderful world filled with colorful chalks and the teacher's guidance. This world, though confined to the classroom, was a place of learning, growth, and innocent joy.

Serrat also touches on the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. He reflects on how the teacher might wonder about her former students, pondering what became of them. The song suggests that while the world and people may change, the essence of the teacher's influence remains the same. The final lines poignantly contrast the comforting scent of the teacher with the harshness of the outside world, emphasizing the lasting impact of her presence. Through this song, Serrat not only honors his teacher but also captures the universal experience of childhood education and the lasting impressions left by those who guide us in our early years.