In 1975, Spain experienced the last breath of the fascist regime of dictator Francisco Franco, who died on Nov. 20. Political opposition, freedom of the press and the right to demonstrate were prohibited, but the regime suffered cracks over the last decade. Most sectors opposed to Francoism were emboldened to raise their voices, despite the harsh consequences they could face.

In this hectic context, songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat was one of the many singers who contributed with his voice to the anti-Franco struggle. In the 1960s, as a member of the Nova Cançó,  he promoted, together with dozens of singers, the use of the Catalan language, prohibited by the authorities. Despite the censorship, he was not afraid to compose multiple songs in the language.

In 1975, while on a concert tour in Mexico, Serrat condemned Franco's repressive measures. The statements happened after a death sentence was ordered for 11 members of ETA and FRAP, who the court accused of murdering several policemen. Six were exempted from punishment, but five were ultimately executed.

Serrat went further and sympathized with the president of Mexico Luis Echevarría Álvarez, who only recognized the Spanish government of the Second Republic in exile as legitimate. When the Spanish singer issued the controversial statements, a search and arrest warrant was ordered, which forced him to remain in exile in Mexico for a year.

In 1968, the regime ordered to remove and censor all his music. His fans could listen to their favorite songs indoors and in secret. The restriction affected his recently released album Para la piel manzana, the first he recorded with Ariola.

During his time in Mexico, he did not feel the inspiration to compose new songs, but used his time to perform in various locations with local musicians. He rented a bus, named 'La Gordita,' and offered several concerts at very low prices. Those were turbulent and uncertain times, and Serrat feared that he would never be able to return to his beloved homeland.

In those times of foreign militancy, some of his most combative lyrics were born, which often were written by other poets. From that year in exile, there are unofficial recordings in which Serrat sings “Mazúrquica modérnica” by Violeta Parra, “La poesía es un arma cargada de futuro” and “La vida no vale nada”.

When he returned a year later, Serrat was greeted with a warm welcome at Barcelona airport. Those were times when Spain was preparing to welcome long-awaited democracy.