Un País Libre – Pequeña Serenata Diurna

Here’s the back story of our name here. Because we all like a good back story.

Un país libre comes from a Silvio Rodriguez song named Pequeña Serenata Diurna. Silvio Rodriguez is a Cuban folk singer/songwriter. Per Wikipedia: “Known for his … highly eloquent and symbolic lyrics, his songs are iconic elements of Latin American left-leaning intellectual culture.” Sounds about right.

In both English and Spanish:

For this song to be named “Little Daily Serenade” and to be such a powerful ode to love, living, joy, fulfillment, connectedness, and freedom – anchored by the here and now, is a testament to the talent, abilities, and humility of the songwriter.

(Gender references: When I think about or sing this song, I switch the gender references to be appropriate to who I am and who I love. I encourage you to do the same.)

The song also holds many memories tied up in it. Two of our wonderful friends singing this as an impromptu duet in 2005. Many memories of A playing this on the guitar, surrounded by friends. Singing it as a lullaby to get the kiddos to sleep. And more to come, I’m sure.

I hope this sheds some light on why we choose these words to represent us. We can often get caught up and bogged down in the daily grind. Poetry like this helps us realize that we are here by choice, and that simple freedom can make all the difference.