Como Lo Hace El Viento
Joan Manuel Serrat
The Freedom of the Wind: A Life Unbound
Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Como Lo Hace El Viento" is a poetic exploration of freedom and the desire to live life unrestrained. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life that mirrors the wind—free, unbound, and constantly in motion. Serrat begins by describing his birth near the sea, a place where he became friends with the sun and rain, learning to fly like the wind. This imagery sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing a life lived in harmony with nature and free from societal constraints.
The wind serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the song. It represents freedom, movement, and the ability to navigate through life without being tied down. Serrat contrasts this with the idea of being a marble slab, a symbol of permanence and stagnation, which he rejects. Instead, he chooses a life of constant movement, going from port to port, never settling in one place. This reflects a deep-seated desire for personal freedom and an aversion to being trapped by the expectations or limitations imposed by society.
The song also touches on themes of impermanence and the transient nature of life. Serrat speaks of leaving without looking back, leaving nothing behind and having no one waiting for him. This reinforces the idea of living like the wind—free to come and go as one pleases, unburdened by attachments or obligations. The repeated refrain, "Como lo hace el viento," underscores this central theme, making it clear that the wind's freedom is not just a metaphor but a guiding principle for how Serrat wants to live his life.