The song "En Coulliure" by Joan Manuel Serrat tells the story of a man who embarks on a journey, leaving behind a life filled with disappointment and loss. The lyrics symbolize his longing for a better life and his struggle to find meaning and purpose. The first verse describes how the man sets off on his journey, carrying with him only his pride, a little faith, and the bitter taste of past experiences. As he looks back, he sees only lifeless bodies and colorless fields, representing the emptiness and sadness of his past. The chorus portrays the man as old and tired, contemplating his past by the seashore. He drinks in his memories, savoring them sip by sip. However, he realizes that he never intended to be a prophet or a martyr, but he inadvertently became a bit of both. The line "una gruesa losa gris" (a thick gray tombstone) suggests the weight of his accumulated burdens and regrets. The second verse depicts the brother of the man, who now peacefully rests under the shade of a cypress tree, surrounded by growing grass. It is a stark contrast to the man's own life filled with hardships and unresolved desires. The imagery of artificial flowers in a vase, along with a few lines of poetry and some laurel branches, represents the personal belongings and remnants of the old and tired man. These objects serve as reminders of his unfulfilled aspirations and the traces he leaves behind. Overall, "En Coulliure" reflects on the human experience of longing, disappointment, and the search for meaning in life. The song revolves around themes of loss, regret, and the inevitability of time passing by.
