Mendian Gora Haritza

Imanol's 'Mendian Gora Haritza' is a song deeply rooted in the Basque culture and identity. The lyrics, sung in the Basque language, evoke images of nature and the spirit of the Basque people. The title itself, which translates to 'The Oak on the Mountain,' symbolizes strength and resilience, qualities often associated with the Basque Country and its inhabitants.

The song speaks to the desire to celebrate life ('Kantatu nahi dut bizitza') despite the inevitability of decay ('Usteltzen ez bazait hitza'). It reflects a determination to dance through the world, even with the power to make the world dance if one were a god. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for influencing one's surroundings positively, despite not having omnipotent power. The reference to the 'Euskal herriko tristura' (the sadness of the Basque Country) and the 'Soineko beltzen joskura' (the crafting of black dresses) likely alludes to the historical struggles and periods of mourning the Basque people have endured, yet there's a call for freshness and the sharing of water, symbolizing life and continuity.

The mention of the 'Euskal herriko poeta' (the poet of the Basque Country) and the 'Kanposantuko tronpeta' (the trumpet of the cemetery) suggests a confrontation with death and the existential. However, the song also carries a message of hope and the continuous creation of life ('Goizero sortuz bizitza ere'). The acknowledgment of the world's sadness and joy ('Mundua ez da beti jai') and the refusal to give in to despair ('Ez diet surik bota nahi') culminate in a serene acceptance of death, asking for peace in the end ('Egizue lo lasai').