20 de Marzo

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "20 de Marzo" is a poetic and evocative piece that captures the essence of spring's arrival. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a serene morning when spring, personified as a whimsical figure, arrives with a sense of renewal and rebirth. The narrator expresses a longing to have been awake to witness this magical moment, describing how the figure came with hands full of birds, surrounded by bees, and wearing a hat made of poppies. This imagery symbolizes the abundance and beauty of nature that spring brings.

The song delves into the narrator's regret for missing this enchanting scene. He wishes he had left the balconies open or had an intuitive dream that hinted at the transformation happening outside. The lyrics mention how rooftops and branches fill with nests, dry stones become wet in the river, and the sharp cry of a partridge and the gaze of a rabbit can be sensed. These details emphasize the awakening of life and the sensory experiences that come with the new season.

Serrat's lyrics also reflect a desire to celebrate and honor the arrival of spring. The narrator imagines lying on a stone like a lizard, basking in the sun, playing a flute, and decorating the doorways with paper flowers as if it were carnival time. However, he laments that he was peacefully asleep, unaware that spring was being brought to him on the 20th of March. This song beautifully captures the themes of missed opportunities, the beauty of nature, and the longing to be present in moments of transformation.