El Labrador

José Luis Perales' song "El Labrador" is a poignant reflection on the life of a farmer who has left his rural roots for the allure of the city. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's journey from the simplicity and authenticity of the countryside to the complexity and artificiality of urban life. The song begins by recounting the farmer's departure from his village, trading the green meadows for concrete sidewalks and a house on the outskirts of the city. This transition is depicted as a move from a natural paradise to an asphalt inferno, highlighting the stark contrast between the two worlds.

The chorus serves as a reminder to the farmer of his true identity and the life he left behind. Perales uses the metaphor of the farmer's scent, which is imbued with the essence of earth and fields, to emphasize his deep connection to the land. The city, according to the song, is a place designed for the wise, not for a reaper like him. This sentiment underscores the idea that the farmer's skills and values are more suited to the rural environment, where his work and presence are deeply intertwined with the natural world.

As the song progresses, it touches on the superficial changes the farmer undergoes to fit into city life, such as wearing a suit and driving a new car. However, these changes come at a cost, both financially and emotionally. The farmer is reminded that the simple pleasures of rural life, like eating a piece of bread under a fig tree, are far more valuable than the material comforts of the city. The song concludes with a heartfelt plea for the farmer to return to his roots, where his true essence and happiness lie. Through "El Labrador," Perales eloquently captures the universal theme of longing for one's origins and the enduring bond between a person and their homeland.