Chacarera Del Nuevo Siglo
Alfredo Abalos
Reflections on Time and Legacy in 'Chacarera Del Nuevo Siglo'
Alfredo Abalos' 'Chacarera Del Nuevo Siglo' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the enduring nature of cultural and personal legacies. The song opens with the artist contemplating the arrival of a new century, acknowledging how the years consume destinies and shape futures. This sets a contemplative tone, as Abalos muses on who will be present to mark significant moments and how he will contribute to the silence with traditional Argentine folk music forms like truncas and zambas.
The lyrics delve into themes of generational continuity and the cyclical nature of life. Abalos paints a vivid picture of parents resting in the shadows of their children and the land's bounty flourishing in the wilderness. The imagery of a bird soaring with timeless melodies from the post of an eternal ranch symbolizes the persistence of cultural heritage and the unending flow of life. This bird, with its 'secular tones,' represents the enduring spirit of tradition and memory, transcending the confines of time.
Abalos also touches on the inevitability of change and the hope that the new century will bring new ways to cope with old sorrows, perhaps through 'a computable wine for old sorrows.' The song's emotional core is found in the longing for a lost loved one, whose presence is felt in the stars. Abalos vows to keep their memory alive through the act of singing chacareras, ensuring that their essence remains eternal. The song is a beautiful meditation on how music and tradition can bridge the past, present, and future, offering solace and continuity in an ever-changing world.