Manuel Gerena sings from an ardent, determined solidarity. For this reason he writes his own lyrics and clothes them in a timeless music where the intimate strains of a lament seems to merge with the communal shout of rebellion.  These songs are defined by their human condition, their critical sensibility. And this condition and sensibility are honoured in a certain way by the very music that serves as a vehicle for them: flamenco. Gerena’s life story and his vast output of flamenco songs and lyrics have been strengthened  by the search for a balance between his social concerns – justice for men – and aesthetic ones. This book gathers together a personal selection of the poetic material that inspires his art. Includes a CD.