Mediterráneo

Joan Manuel Serrat's song "Mediterráneo" is a heartfelt tribute to the Mediterranean Sea, which has played a significant role in the artist's life. The lyrics convey a deep sense of nostalgia and connection to the region, which Serrat describes as integral to his childhood and formative experiences. The Mediterranean is personified throughout the song, suggesting a relationship that is both intimate and complex.

The song begins with a reflection on the artist's childhood, which remains alive and vibrant on the shores of the Mediterranean. Serrat speaks of carrying the light and scent of the sea wherever he goes, indicating the profound impact it has had on his identity. The sea is a repository of his love, joy, and sorrows. He acknowledges the historical suffering that has occurred along its shores, from Algeciras to Istanbul, yet the sea remains a canvas for the hopes and dreams of its people.

Serrat's lyrics also touch on themes of life and death, with the sea serving as a metaphor for the journey of life. He compares the sea's ebb and flow to the nature of existence, sometimes close and sometimes distant. The artist expresses a desire for his final resting place to be between the beach and the sky, close to the sea that has defined so much of his life. The song is a poetic expression of Serrat's identity as a Mediterranean soul, with a longing for the sea's beauty and a recognition of its darker depths.