El Aire De La Calle

Manuel Carrasco's song "El Aire De La Calle" paints a vivid picture of a carefree, bohemian lifestyle. The lyrics describe a man who wakes up early to work, but his work is not conventional. With a guitar in hand, he sings and embraces the simplicity of life. He is known as 'the barefoot one' because he wears sandals even in winter, enjoying the fresh morning air. This character spends his days in the streets and squares, taking in the atmosphere and living without the constraints of societal expectations. He contrasts himself with the more refined, aristocratic figures of Jerez, emphasizing his freedom from obligations and his appreciation for the small, beautiful moments in life, like the puddles in the plaza after it rains.

The chorus, "El aire de la calle a mí me huele a goma fresca," suggests a sensory connection to the street life, where the air smells of fresh rubber. This line could symbolize the newness and constant change of street life, as well as the raw, unfiltered experiences it offers. The protagonist embraces this life fully, smoking and escaping up the hill, expressing love in a raw, unpolished manner. His love is as natural and inevitable as the relationship between pears and pear trees, and he finds joy in both winning and losing.

The song also touches on themes of poverty and simplicity. The protagonist has no pockets in his pants, symbolizing a lack of material wealth, but he remains unbittered. He sings in various places, from the bank's promenade to the long street, and only desires enough money to sleep in a bed. He rejects romantic entanglements, preferring the freedom of a vagabond and the allure of the night. The imagery of black venom in his blood and five tattoos on his arms adds a layer of rebelliousness and resilience. He never cries because he lives in a perpetual carnival, donning a mask and throwing himself into the streets, embodying the spirit of celebration and defiance.