Los Vendimiadores

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Los Vendimiadores" paints a vivid picture of the lives of seasonal workers, known as harvesters, who travel from various regions, including Aragón, Africa, and the South, to work in the vineyards. The song begins by setting the scene in September, just before the cold sets in, when these workers buy their tickets for the 'train of hope.' This metaphorical train represents their journey towards a better future, albeit a temporary one, as they leave their homes and families behind to toil in the fields.

The lyrics delve into the harsh realities faced by these laborers. Some may own a small piece of land, while others have nothing at all. Regardless of their backgrounds, they share a common language—the language of the laborer, which is simple, hard, and relentless. The song highlights their daily struggles, from picking cotton and pruning trees to working as general laborers when no other work is available. Despite their diverse origins and accents, they are united by their shared experiences and dreams.

Serrat also touches on the emotional and physical toll of this lifestyle. The harvesters endure long hours under the sun, cutting grapes from vines that belong to others. At night, they gather to curse their fate, with the straw of their makeshift pillows digging into their cheeks. The song poignantly captures their return home in winter, with meager earnings that must sustain them until the next season. Through "Los Vendimiadores," Serrat not only sheds light on the plight of these workers but also celebrates their resilience and the hope that keeps them going year after year.