Sin caballo y en Montiel

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'Sin caballo y en Montiel' is a poignant milonga that delves into themes of nostalgia, loss, and the deep connection between a man and his horse. The song's narrative follows a paisano (countryman) who traverses the landscapes of Tala, Altamirano, and Montiel, reflecting on his past and the changes that time has wrought. The recurring line, 'de poco vale un paisano sin caballo y en Montiel,' underscores the central theme: the diminished value and identity of a man without his horse in this rural setting.

The lyrics are rich with imagery and cultural references. Zitarrosa mentions specific locations like Sauce Norte and the palmeral (palm grove) of Montiel, painting a vivid picture of the Uruguayan countryside. The mention of Climaco Acosta and Cipriano Vila, described as 'dos horcones entrerrianos de una amistad sin revés,' adds a layer of personal history and loss, highlighting the passing of friends who were once pillars of the community. This sense of loss is further emphasized by the singer's reluctance to stop and revisit these places, as they are now tinged with the sorrow of what once was.

The song also explores the idea of memory and the passage of time. The paisano's journey is not just physical but also metaphorical, as he 'rastreando el ayer' (tracks the past) with his eyes. The imagery of 'barro negro y huellas hondas' (black mud and deep tracks) suggests the enduring marks left by past experiences. The shadow of his horse, which he sees 'como en sueños' (like in dreams), symbolizes the lingering presence of his past life and the deep emotional connection he had with his horse. This connection is so profound that the absence of his horse renders him almost purposeless, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the rural and traditional context of the song.

Zitarrosa's 'Sin caballo y en Montiel' is a masterful exploration of identity, memory, and the inexorable passage of time. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, the song captures the essence of a way of life that is slowly fading, leaving behind only memories and the shadows of what once was.