Por San Juan

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'Por San Juan' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, nostalgia, and the cyclical nature of life. The lyrics transport us to a time when the singer was young, running through the streets and collecting wood for the bonfires of San Juan, a traditional Spanish festival celebrated on the night of June 23rd. This festival, known for its bonfires, symbolizes purification and the welcoming of summer. Serrat reminisces about the simplicity and innocence of his youth, where even a piece of wood or an old table could make him feel rich and content.

The song is rich with metaphors and imagery that evoke a sense of longing for the past. The bonfire of San Juan serves as a powerful symbol of both destruction and renewal. As the singer reflects on his childhood, he acknowledges how the years have distanced him from those carefree days and his old friends. The fire of San Juan, which once brought joy and excitement, now seems to have consumed those memories, leaving him feeling like an outsider in his own past. This sense of alienation is further emphasized when he observes the new generation of children collecting wood, just as he once did, and they look at him as if he were a stranger.

Despite this feeling of disconnection, there is a yearning to reconnect with that youthful spirit. The singer's plea to be given a piece of wood to burn, to feel rich with an old table once more, is a desire to relive those moments of simplicity and joy. It's a call to not feel old, to reclaim a piece of that past and find solace in the traditions that once brought so much happiness. 'Por San Juan' is a beautiful meditation on the passage of time, the loss of innocence, and the enduring human desire to find meaning and connection in the rituals of our youth.