La contradanza molecular de los átomos de la piedra mora

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song, 'La contradanza molecular de los átomos de la piedra mora,' is a poetic exploration of change, continuity, and the interplay between the two. The song, set to a polka rhythm, tells the story of a somewhat intellectual Montevidean who finds himself in Vichadero, a small town in Uruguay. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the town's rustic life, where the dawns are serenaded by the 'molecular contradance of the atoms of the mora stone,' a metaphor for the constant, yet often imperceptible, changes in the world around us.

Zitarrosa uses the imagery of nature and rural life to delve into deeper philosophical musings. The line 'Todo es cambio y movimiento' (Everything is change and movement) reflects the Heraclitean idea that change is the only constant. This is further illustrated by the playful observation that 'las tetas no están quietas si lambetan los terneros' (the teats are not still if the calves are suckling), emphasizing the natural cycles of life. The night sky, described as 'estrellada y sin fronteras' (starry and without borders), serves as a backdrop to the timeless dance of existence.

The song also touches on themes of social change and the power of the collective. The transformation of a valley into a humble street symbolizes progress and the potential for human unity to effect significant change. The line 'la verdadera historia la hacen los pobres del mundo' (the true history is made by the poor of the world) underscores the idea that real change comes from the grassroots level. The 'contradanza molecular' thus becomes a metaphor for the dynamic and interconnected nature of societal progress, where even the smallest actions contribute to the larger movement.

In essence, 'La contradanza molecular de los átomos de la piedra mora' is a celebration of the intricate dance of life, where change and continuity coexist in a delicate balance, and where the collective efforts of individuals can shape the course of history.