Candombe del olvido

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Candombe del olvido' is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of the traditional Uruguayan candombe rhythm. The song's lyrics, co-written with Juan Descrescencio, delve into the nostalgia and melancholy that accompany the inevitable changes in life. Zitarrosa, a revered figure in Latin American folk music, uses the candombe—a genre deeply rooted in Afro-Uruguayan culture—to underscore the themes of his song, blending personal reflection with cultural expression.

The song opens with a longing for the past, as Zitarrosa questions the whereabouts of his childhood belongings and memories. This sense of searching for lost time is a central theme, as he invokes the 'candombe del olvido' (the candombe of forgetting) in hopes that it might return what has been lost. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes this yearning, suggesting that music and memory are intertwined, with the rhythm of candombe serving as a vessel for recollection.

As the song progresses, Zitarrosa reflects on the changes that have occurred over time, from forgotten gardens and empty plazas to the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life. The candombe rhythm, described as both a slow and steady beat, mirrors the relentless march of time. Despite the passage of time and the changes it brings, the candombe remains a constant, symbolizing resilience and continuity. The song's imagery, such as 'fuego verde' (green fire) and 'techos de seda bordada' (embroidered silk roofs), evokes a sense of beauty and transience, highlighting the ephemeral nature of life and memory.

In the final verses, Zitarrosa acknowledges the inevitability of change and the persistence of the candombe. The music becomes a metaphor for life itself—ever-changing, yet enduring. The candombe's ability to 'sing because it can' and 'forget what it wants' suggests a form of liberation, where the past is both remembered and let go. This duality captures the essence of human experience, where memories shape us but do not define us entirely. Through 'Candombe del olvido,' Zitarrosa offers a meditation on the power of music to connect us to our past while allowing us to move forward.