"Mô" is a song by Joan Manuel Serrat, a Spanish singer-songwriter, poet, and musician. The lyrics of the song are in Catalan, a language spoken in Catalonia, Spain. The song tells a story about the town of Maó (also known as Mahón), which is the capital of the island of Menorca. The lyrics describe the beauty of Maó, with its white houses ("Blanca de calç") that face north and are lit up by the morning sun. The town is depicted as a peaceful place, with old paths along the coastline and a beach where a beached ship waits for the tide to return. It is a refuge for tired sailors seeking shelter from strong winds. The song continues by highlighting the simple life and everyday stories of the town's humble residents. It mentions small heroes and short-lived glory, as people try to make a living and celebrate their daily struggles with pastries and small accomplishments. In the winter, the town is described as enduring the cold and purifying itself with the blood of the pig. The strong wind, called "mestral," blows from the salted and cold sea, bending the branches of trees. But as the sun sets, it disappears behind the Mola, a hill on the island. However, when the dark time arrives, migratory birds appear and signal the arrival of warmer weather. The perfume of thyme fills the air as the cold disappears, and people search for the path that leads to the sandy beach. At night, songs of sailors and sirens are heard. The song also references the town's history and traditions. It mentions pirates, who used to pillage the island, and how the town would hope for their return. Cattle return to the town, following seagulls, and the city is mirrored in the murky water. The song concludes by mentioning autumn, when the fertile drums of rain sound. The town falls asleep with tales of fairies and witches. Overall, "Mô" portrays a picturesque and nostalgic portrayal of the town of Maó and reflects Serrat's love for his homeland, capturing both the beauty of the island and its rich history.
