A José Artigas

The song 'A José Artigas' by Alfredo Zitarrosa is a tribute to the Uruguayan national hero José Gervasio Artigas, who is often referred to as the father of Uruguayan nationhood. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of reverence and nostalgia for the values and struggles that Artigas represented during the early 19th century, particularly his fight for federalism and autonomy against centralist and foreign influences.

The song's refrain, 'Vidalita acordate de José Artigas,' calls on the vidalita, a traditional form of South American folk music, to remember and honor Artigas. The vidalita itself becomes a metaphor for the nation's collective memory, urged to sweeten its voice when speaking of the hero. The mention of other historical figures like Lavalleja, who fought alongside Artigas, further emphasizes the call for unity and remembrance of the country's foundational struggles. Zitarrosa's use of the phrase 'sácate el sombrero,' which means 'take off your hat,' is a sign of respect and a call to honor the legacy of Artigas with the dignity it deserves.

The song also touches on themes of patriotism and the importance of remembering one's history. The repeated line 'No hay más huella, canejo, que la de Artigas' suggests that the only path worth following is that of Artigas, urging listeners to stake everything on this belief. The call to break the silence and come to the aid of the 'patria sola y muda' (lonely and silent homeland) is a powerful plea for national solidarity and action. Zitarrosa's music, deeply rooted in folk traditions, serves as a vehicle for conveying these messages, resonating with the cultural identity and historical consciousness of the Uruguayan people.