Retrato

Joan Manuel Serrat's 'Retrato' is a deeply introspective song that reflects on the artist's life journey, from his childhood memories to his philosophical outlook as an adult. The lyrics begin with nostalgic recollections of his early years in Sevilla, a city in southern Spain, and his youth spent in the region of Castilla. These lines evoke a sense of place and time that have shaped the singer's identity. Serrat uses vivid imagery, such as the ripening lemon tree, to anchor his memories in sensory experiences.

As the song progresses, Serrat delves into his personal values and beliefs. He dismisses the idea of being a legendary seducer or a dandy, instead emphasizing his own experiences with love and his inherent goodness. The mention of 'blood of the Jacobins' suggests a revolutionary spirit, yet his poetry flows from a calm source, indicating a balance between passion and tranquility. Serrat values authenticity, distinguishing between genuine voices and mere echoes, and seeks meaningful conversations, even if it's with himself, hinting at a contemplative nature.

The closing verses of 'Retrato' confront the inevitability of death with a serene acceptance. Serrat speaks of owing nothing at life's end and being indebted only for what he has written. He stresses self-reliance, having provided for himself throughout his life. The final image of setting sail on the last journey 'light of luggage' and 'almost naked' is a metaphor for leaving life as one came into it, unburdened and pure, reminiscent of the sailors who are born of the sea. This song is a poetic meditation on life, identity, and the essence of what it means to be human.