De Parto

Joan Manuel Serrat's song 'De Parto' is a poetic and tender exploration of the journey of pregnancy and impending motherhood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman experiencing the physical and emotional changes that come with expecting a child. The imagery of her swollen feet and the weight in her belly in the fourth month captures the tangible aspects of pregnancy, while her happiness and anticipation are reflected in her actions, such as looking at herself in the mirror and thinking of names for her baby. This duality of physical discomfort and emotional joy is a central theme in the song.

The song also delves into the nostalgic and almost magical transformation that pregnancy brings to the woman's life. The lyrics describe her as blooming in spring, a metaphor for the new life growing inside her and the renewal she feels. Her skin is likened to satin, and she is depicted enjoying simple pleasures like taking walks and playing childhood games. These moments highlight the innocence and purity of her experience, as well as the connection between her past and her future as a mother. The reference to her playing hopscotch and reminiscing about her own school days underscores the cyclical nature of life and the continuity between generations.

In the final verses, the song takes on a more intimate and serene tone, as the woman sings lullabies to her unborn child, likened to a bell cradling a carnation in a moonbeam. This beautiful imagery conveys the deep bond forming between mother and child even before birth. The urgency in the line 'Corre lagarto, pon otra cama en el cuarto' (Run, lizard, put another bed in the room) and the mention of August as the due date add a sense of anticipation and preparation for the new arrival. 'De Parto' is a celebration of the beauty, challenges, and profound changes that come with the journey to motherhood, capturing the essence of this transformative experience with grace and sensitivity.