La Canción Del Trilpe

Ali Primera's 'La Canción Del Tiple' is a poignant reflection on the struggles and resilience of the Andean people. The song opens with vivid imagery of a person trying to dispel their melancholy with 'black spit,' a metaphor for the harsh realities they face. The slow ascent up the mountain symbolizes the arduous journey of life, filled with challenges and hardships. The mention of gifts on the Day of Kings, which are meaningless in the face of year-round hunger and oppressive laws, highlights the superficiality of temporary reliefs in a life of constant struggle.

The song also delves into cultural and religious elements, mentioning San Benito and Caribay, who are depicted as drunk and wandering under a cold drizzle. This imagery evokes a sense of lost direction and disillusionment. The reference to San Benito kissing María Bonita during patronal festivals adds a layer of nostalgia and longing for simpler, happier times. The call to the church and the hope for government promises to be fulfilled reflect the people's reliance on faith and authority, despite their continuous disappointments.

Primera's lyrics also touch on the suppression of libertarian desires by religious sermons and the force of the authorities, represented by the 'chopo del comisario.' The song's melancholic tone is further emphasized in the closing lines, where the artist apologizes for the sadness in the song, explaining that it was found 'riding the afternoon mist' and brought back hidden. This final metaphor underscores the pervasive sense of sorrow and the hidden, often unspoken, struggles of the Andean people.