El olor a leña, Boby

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song "El olor a leña, Boby" is a poignant exploration of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics revolve around the evocative scent of burning wood, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the past and its lingering impact on the present. The wood, described as having grown in the protagonist's country, symbolizes roots, heritage, and the passage of time. The scent of the wood, both sweet and melancholic, triggers a deep emotional response in Boby, the song's central figure.

The imagery of the "palo cuadrado" (square log) that has aged and now burns in the fire is particularly striking. This log, once a part of a window frame, represents a connection to the past, a witness to the passage of time. As it burns, it releases a scent that is both a reminder of its former life and a symbol of its inevitable end. The fire, which consumes the log, is a metaphor for the relentless march of time and the bittersweet nature of memories. The lyrics suggest that the log, like Boby, experiences a mix of pain and love as it is consumed by the fire.

Zitarrosa's plea for Boby to find happiness in the scent of the burning wood, despite its association with loss and change, is a call to embrace the past while finding joy in the present. The song's closing lines, inviting Boby to return for more fires and more memories, underscore the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of memory. Zitarrosa's music, known for its deep emotional resonance and connection to Uruguayan culture, adds a layer of authenticity and depth to this exploration of time, memory, and emotion.