El Meu Carrer

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "El Meu Carrer" is a heartfelt tribute to a modest, unassuming street that holds a wealth of memories and character. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrow, dark, and winding street that smells of people and is filled with the sounds and sights of everyday life. The street, with its broken portals and a fountain frequented by children and animals, is a microcosm of a working-class neighborhood. Serrat's detailed descriptions evoke a sense of place that is both intimate and universal, capturing the essence of a community that is often overlooked but rich in its own right.

The song is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and affection for the simple, unpretentious life that unfolds in this street. The presence of five streetlights, a few bakeries, and bars on every corner speaks to a close-knit community where people know each other and share their lives. The street is a melting pot of people from different backgrounds who work hard, enjoy their meals, and find solace in small pleasures like football games and domino matches. Serrat's lyrics celebrate the resilience and camaraderie of the people who inhabit this street, highlighting their ability to find joy and meaning in the mundane.

As the song progresses, there is a poignant realization that the street is slowly deteriorating. The imagery of a child eating bread with oil and sugar, playing games, and the mention of old toys and a broken stove evoke a sense of lost innocence and the passage of time. The street, once vibrant and full of life, is now fading, much like the memories of childhood. Serrat's song is a beautiful, melancholic reflection on the inevitable changes that come with time, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of a humble street and its people.