Una de Romanos

Joaquín Sabina's song "Una de Romanos" is a nostalgic reflection on the innocence and discovery of youth, set against the backdrop of a summer cinema during the Franco era in Spain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy's experiences and the simple yet profound moments that shaped his adolescence. The song opens with a reference to watching films from the Franco era, immediately setting a historical and cultural context. This period was marked by strict censorship and conservative values, which is subtly critiqued through the imagery of the usher's flashlight interrupting any intimate moments in the cinema.

The song then delves into the personal memories of the narrator, recalling the thrill of young love and the innocent exploration of physical affection. The mention of a girl with "catorce abriles" (fourteen springs) and the tactile sensations of "chocolatina, a piel, saliva y sudor" (chocolate, skin, saliva, and sweat) evoke a sense of youthful passion and the bittersweetness of first experiences. The cinema, a place of semi-darkness and escapism, becomes a sanctuary for these tender moments, away from the prying eyes of society.

Sabina also contrasts the innocence of these personal memories with the dramatic and often violent scenes on the cinema screen, such as Dalila cutting Samson's hair or Nero setting fire to Rome. This juxtaposition highlights the innocence of the narrator's experiences against the backdrop of grand historical narratives. The recurring theme of "juegos de manos" (hand games) and the playful reference to "una de romanos" (a Roman film) serve as metaphors for the simple yet profound discoveries of youth. In the final verse, Sabina reflects on the changes brought by modernity, contrasting the innocence of his past with the explicitness of contemporary media, yet expressing a desire to relive those simpler times with a loved one.