"Juan y José" is a song by Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat. The song tells the story of two friends, Juan and José, who sit against the wall of a fronton (a Basque pelota court) making plans and enjoying their childhood. They contemplate whether to go to school or go fishing in the river. They often have four crabs for their snack. As time passes, their friendship is tested as they discover new experiences together. They explore the world of liquor, the allure of money, cars, cinema, and women. Juan and José are inseparable and no one has ever seen friends as close as these two. However, their childhood is cut short, and Juan and José are forced to face adulthood. Juan remains in their hometown, working the land, and marrying his childhood sweetheart. Meanwhile, José takes to the sea, embarking on adventures as a sailor. They exchange letters, filled with promises and dreams, but life takes them on different paths. José travels from the Caribbean to the southern tip of South America, working in various jobs along the way. He becomes a treasure hunter, a peddler, and a sailor on the Paraná River. Eventually, he becomes successful and wealthy. On the other hand, Juan remains in their hometown, toiling away on the land. He marries his longtime girlfriend and lives a simple life, experiencing the changing seasons and the daily routines. After fifty years, Juan and José reunite at the fronton, as if no time has passed. Juan asks José which side he is on, referring to the wall colors (blue or red), and José responds with a joke about choosing the side the girl they both like is on. The song reflects on the passage of time, the choices made in life, and the bonds of friendship. It depicts the different paths people take and the ways in which life can change individuals. It also highlights the nostalgia and warmth of their friendship throughout the years, as they reminisce about their shared experiences and adventures. Overall, "Juan y José" is a beautiful song that captures the essence of friendship, the passing of time, and the different paths people take in life.
