"Balada De Otoño" is a song by the Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat. The song tells the story of a rainy autumn day and the emotions that it evokes. The lyrics depict a scene of rain falling behind the windows, on the almost bare poplar trees, the brown rooftops, and the fields. The gray sky and the covered ground paint a picture of autumn setting in. The afternoon is described as a child being gently rocked by the wind, creating a lullaby-like atmosphere. The song then transitions to a melancholic melody, expressing the sadness and loneliness of the narrator. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is willing to give up everything for a smile, emphasizing their vulnerability and poverty. The feeling of being alone and afraid is also conveyed. The song takes a contemplative turn as it describes the moments of connecting with inanimate objects, such as a sad lamp with porcelain details that briefly becomes a woman. This image symbolizes the narrator's longing for human connection and the fantasy world they create to escape their reality. As the evening progresses, the narrator acknowledges the passing of time and the realization that the sadness expressed in the song will become obsolete. The repetition of the phrase "llueve y llueve" (it rains and rains) brings a sense of continuity and emphasizes the cycle of life. Overall, "Balada De Otoño" beautifully captures the sentiments of a rainy autumn day, exploring themes of longing, loneliness, and the emotional impact of nature. It paints a vivid picture of the changing season and the introspection it brings.
