The song "Cançó De Batre" by Joan Manuel Serrat is a traditional Catalan song that pays tribute to the daily life of the Catalan countryside, specifically the activity of "batre" or threshing. The song captures the essence of this agricultural practice and the role it played in the lives of the rural communities. The lyrics emphasize the importance of the "carretó," a type of cart or wagon, which is crucial in carrying the harvested wheat or other grains during the threshing process. The lines "Ah, si no fos per carretó/ Arri!" suggest that without the cart, the activity of threshing would not be possible. The repeated exclamation "Arri!" indicates the sound made by the person directing the cart or encouraging the horses to move forward. This sound and the "darrera darrera" (behind) signify the motion and rhythm of the process. The lyrics also acknowledge the significance of the "somera" (a type of donkey), along with the "cavaió" (a horse) in the threshing process. These animals were essential for pulling the cart and assisting in the overall task. Essentially, "Cançó De Batre" celebrates the traditional agricultural activities, the hard work of the farmers, and the importance of teamwork and cooperation in the rural community. It captures the nostalgia and appreciation for the simpler way of life in the Catalan countryside.
