Llanto AL Mar

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Llanto AL Mar' is a poignant lament for the state of the world's oceans. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sea as a cradle of life, a pathway for dreams, and a bridge between cultures. However, Serrat contrasts this idyllic image with the harsh reality of pollution and environmental degradation. The repeated phrase 'miradlo hecho un basurero' (look at it turned into a dump) underscores the severity of the situation, highlighting the transformation of the sea from a life-giving force to a repository of waste.

Serrat's lyrics also serve as a critique of those in power, questioning the wisdom and conservatism of leaders who allow such destruction to occur. The line '¿Dónde están los sabios y los poderosos que se nombran conservadores?' (Where are the wise and powerful who call themselves conservatives?) is a direct challenge to those who claim to protect and preserve but fail to act. This critique is not just aimed at political leaders but also at society as a whole, implicating everyone in the collective neglect and abuse of the natural world.

The song is rich with emotion, expressing sorrow, frustration, and a sense of betrayal. Serrat's use of the sea as a metaphor for life and sustenance makes the message even more powerful. The sea, which once provided abundance, beauty, and energy, is now 'herido de muerte' (mortally wounded). The final lines, where Serrat expresses a desire to be buried between the beach and the sky, only to realize that it will be humanity that buries the sea, encapsulate the tragic irony of the situation. 'Llanto AL Mar' is a call to action, a reminder of what is at stake, and a plea for change before it is too late.