Por los médanos blancos

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Por los médanos blancos' is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The song, structured as a habanera, a genre known for its slow, rhythmic, and melancholic tones, sets the stage for a reflective narrative. The repeated invocation of 'Madre' (Mother) suggests a deep, personal conversation, perhaps a monologue directed towards a maternal figure, symbolizing comfort and understanding.

The imagery of 'médanos blancos' (white dunes) serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the shifting nature of memories. The dunes, ever-changing and ephemeral, mirror the fleeting moments of life. The 'carro de mimbre' (wicker cart) and 'barriletes' (kites) evoke a sense of nostalgia, representing simpler times and childhood innocence. These elements contrast with the more somber tones of the song, highlighting the inevitable march of time and the loss of innocence.

The mention of 'ese Dios Verde' (that Green God) coming barefoot through the dunes introduces a mystical element, perhaps symbolizing nature, life, or a higher power that moves through the world unnoticed yet ever-present. The departure of the father 'sin decir nada' (without saying anything) adds a layer of personal loss and abandonment, deepening the emotional weight of the song. The final line, '¡me he vuelto viejo!' (I have grown old!), is a powerful acknowledgment of the passage of time and the inevitable aging process, encapsulating the song's themes of memory, loss, and the inexorable flow of life.