En el patio de la escuela

Rolando Alárcon's song "En el patio de la escuela" is a poetic and nostalgic reflection on the innocence and creativity of childhood, set against the backdrop of a schoolyard. The song opens with a vivid description of the school as a 'fortaleza bella' (beautiful fortress) with 'torres de pizarrón' (chalkboard towers) and 'muros de tiza y estrella' (walls of chalk and stars). This imagery transforms the mundane school environment into a magical place of learning and imagination, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

The chorus, which mentions dancing the 'refalosa' (a traditional South American dance) in the schoolyard, symbolizes the joy and freedom of childhood. The 'pañuelo' (handkerchief) waving in the wind like a 'Florida bandera' (flowery flag) represents the carefree spirit and boundless energy of children. The 'eterna primavera' (eternal spring) in the fortress signifies the perpetual renewal and growth that characterize the early years of life.

Alárcon further enriches the song by describing the 'soldados' (soldiers) who are actually the children, with their diverse eye colors symbolizing the variety and richness of human experience. These children spend their days singing and dreaming of 'mares y nubes' (seas and clouds), constructing 'barcos y aviones' (boats and planes) that are not meant for war but for exploration and adventure. This contrast highlights the purity and innocence of children's dreams, untouched by the harsh realities of the adult world. The song ultimately celebrates the boundless imagination and hopeful aspirations of youth, making it a timeless ode to the beauty of childhood.