"A Una Encina Verde" is a song by Joan Manuel Serrat that pays homage to a strong and defiant oak tree. The lyrics speak of the many possibilities and roles that this oak tree could have taken on: steering a ship, traveling the world as a wheel, serving as a handle, a cradle, or an altar. However, the oak tree defies expectations by being born in a lowly place, challenging the rules and flourishing under the sun, closer to the stars. The song describes the oak tree's resilience and its ability to fight against the elements and fill cracks with its branches, which are adorned with boxwood, thyme, and junipers. It evokes the constant struggle for survival, avoiding the axe wielded by its owner. The presence of bitter knots in the oak's timber symbolizes the pain it endures. The chorus expresses the desire for the oak tree to be loved by its surroundings, respected even in death, and admired for its strength and beauty. The oak tree's vibrant green color is contrasted with the changing colors of other trees, and it is encouraged to bring life to the paleness of the forest. Overall, "A Una Encina Verde" celebrates the resilience, defiance, and importance of this oak tree, highlighting its ability to thrive in challenging circumstances and be a symbol of strength and beauty in the natural world.
