La Llanura

Manolo Garcia's 'La Llanura' is a rich tapestry of poetic imagery and emotional depth. The song opens with the singer presenting himself in a state of flux, oscillating between moments of happiness and generosity, and times of audacity and reality's harshness. This duality sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the singer's emotions and actions are in constant motion, reflecting the complexities of human nature. The mention of waiting by the lamppost and the playful reference to clapping along to James Brown's music adds a layer of cultural texture, blending the mundane with the extraordinary.

The lyrics delve into themes of love and longing, with the singer describing himself as a 'beggar of love' and expressing a desire to be seen in different lights—both as a saint and as a flawed individual. This duality is further emphasized with the metaphor of the 'rotten branch of the tree,' suggesting that even in his imperfections, there is a desire for acceptance and understanding. The recurring promise to return 'when the rooster does not eat' is a poetic way of expressing an indefinite, almost mythical, return, adding a layer of timelessness to the narrative.

The song also touches on intellectual and philosophical themes, with references to reading Polybius and Plato while waiting for a train. This suggests a search for meaning and understanding amidst the passage of time and the inevitability of separation. The imagery of a 'paralytic train' and a 'flat world like the tip of a needle' evokes a sense of stagnation and precision, contrasting with the fluidity of emotions and relationships. The final lines, where the singer promises to return with a 'sack full of needles' and 'walking on a pin,' encapsulate the pain and effort involved in maintaining connections and the hope for reunion despite the challenges.