Milonga de las Patriadas

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Milonga de las Patriadas' is a poignant reflection on the often overlooked and tragic sacrifices made during historical conflicts in Uruguay. The song's title, 'Milonga de las Patriadas,' refers to the milonga, a traditional form of music and dance, and 'patriadas,' which can be interpreted as patriotic struggles or uprisings. Through its lyrics, the song delves into the senseless loss of life and the futility of war, questioning the reasons behind these sacrifices and the impact on those left behind.

The lyrics mention specific battles such as Masoller and Tupambaé, evoking the memory of countless lives lost in these conflicts. Zitarrosa questions the purpose of these deaths, highlighting the absurdity of fighting 'simply and without reason.' The repetition of the question 'Dime cuántos murieron' (Tell me how many died) underscores the senselessness and the sheer number of lives lost. The song also touches on the role of leaders and generals, who, according to Zitarrosa, invented a game that no one won, further emphasizing the futility and the human cost of these conflicts.

Zitarrosa's lyrics also shed light on the plight of the common people, the 'gauchos desconocidos' (unknown gauchos), who were used as cannon fodder in these battles. Despite the passage of time and the supposed changes brought about by these conflicts, the song laments that the common people remained 'pobres nomás' (just poor). This highlights the enduring social and economic inequalities that persisted despite the sacrifices made. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, 'Milonga de las Patriadas' serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the often unacknowledged sacrifices of the common people.