La Desvelada

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'La Desvelada' is a poignant exploration of sleeplessness and the struggles of the common folk, wrapped in the traditional sounds of the vidalita, a genre of folk music from the Río de la Plata region. The song's lyrics are a heartfelt plea for solace and rest, using the vidalita as a metaphor for comfort and companionship in times of hardship. Zitarrosa's deep, resonant voice and the simple yet evocative guitar accompaniment create a haunting atmosphere that underscores the song's themes of loneliness and yearning.

The song opens with a request for the vidalita to sing some verses, hoping that its soothing melody might bring sleep. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the vidalita is personified as a humble, rustic companion, akin to the singer's own simple belongings. The imagery of the 'lucero' (morning star) rising suggests the passage of time and the persistence of sleeplessness, adding to the sense of weariness and longing.

As the song progresses, Zitarrosa touches on social issues, questioning why there is so much land yet so many poor people. This line highlights the disparity and social injustice faced by rural communities, a recurring theme in Zitarrosa's work. The vidalita, described as 'humble' and 'wild,' symbolizes the resilience and spirit of these communities, even as they face harsh conditions. The final lines, where the singer admits that the vidalita's beauty keeps him awake, encapsulate the bittersweet nature of the song: the beauty of the music and the land is intertwined with the pain and struggles of life.