Yeren Dos Guajes
Victor Manuel
A Journey to the Sea: The Tale of Two Shepherds
Victor Manuel's song "Yeren Dos Guajes" tells the touching story of two young shepherds, Xuan and Colás, who dream of seeing the sea. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their simple, pastoral life, filled with the daily routines of tending to their flock and wandering the fields. The song captures their youthful innocence and the sense of adventure that drives them to leave their familiar surroundings in search of something greater.
The journey from Laviana to Xixón (Gijón) is depicted as a significant and almost mythical quest. The boys' determination is evident as they walk the long distance, facing the elements and spending a night in a barn. The moment they finally see the sea is both awe-inspiring and emotional, as they silently cry at the sight of the vast water meeting the sky. This powerful imagery highlights the contrast between their small, contained world and the boundless expanse of the ocean.
The song also touches on the humorous and somewhat absurd reality of their adventure. After reaching the beach of San Lorenzo in Xixón, the boys are fined twenty-five pesetas by a municipal policeman for urinating on the beach. This incident adds a layer of irony to their story, juxtaposing their grand dream with the mundane and bureaucratic aspects of modern life. Through this narrative, Victor Manuel captures the essence of youthful dreams, the beauty of nature, and the sometimes harsh intrusion of reality.