Onades

Lluís Llach's song 'Onades' (Waves) is a poetic exploration of longing and desire, intertwined with vivid natural imagery. The lyrics express a deep yearning to be close to a loved one, using the metaphor of water and waves to convey the intensity of this desire. The speaker wishes to gaze upon the beloved's body, described as 'esquinçat, nu i lluent' (torn, naked, and shiny), and to caress their hair and dry their skin with his lips. This imagery evokes a sense of intimacy and tenderness, highlighting the speaker's deep emotional connection to the beloved.

The song also conveys a sense of envy and jealousy, as the speaker envies every splash of water that touches the beloved and feels jealous of the sun if it has dazzled them. This jealousy underscores the speaker's intense desire to be the one who experiences these moments of closeness and connection with the beloved. The use of natural elements like water, sun, and waves creates a rich, sensory experience that enhances the emotional depth of the song.

In the final lines, the speaker compares the waves created by the beloved to springtime, a symbol of renewal and beauty, while he sees himself as a thirsty tree waiting by the shore. This metaphor emphasizes the speaker's longing and the sense of waiting and anticipation for the beloved's presence. Llach's use of nature to convey complex emotions creates a powerful and evocative narrative that resonates with the listener, capturing the essence of longing and desire in a beautifully poetic manner.