Coplas de Bagualas Del Valle Calchaqui

Atahualpa Yupanqui's 'Coplas de Bagualas Del Valle Calchaqui' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, particularly focusing on themes of wandering, poverty, and existential reflection. The song is a 'baguala,' a traditional Argentine folk genre characterized by its melancholic and introspective nature. Yupanqui, a master of this style, uses simple yet profound lyrics to convey the struggles and contemplations of a wandering soul.

The song opens with the idea that to sing a 'baguala,' music is unnecessary; one only needs to share their sorrows with the wind, which will carry them away. This sets the tone for a journey marked by hardship and introspection. The recurring lament, '¡Malhaya con mi destino, caminar y caminar!' (Woe to my fate, to walk and walk!), underscores the endless and often aimless journey of life. Yupanqui contrasts the freedom of the condor with his own constrained existence, highlighting a longing for liberation and a sense of envy towards the bird's unbounded flight.

Yupanqui also delves into social commentary, addressing the disparities between the rich and the poor. He criticizes the hypocrisy of the wealthy, who look down on the poor while indulging in the same vices. The line 'Dios hizo al vino y al hombre, pa' que se puedan juntar' (God made wine and man so they could come together) reflects a resigned acceptance of life's hardships, suggesting that even in poverty, there is a divine purpose. The imagery of the moon and the wind, and the metaphor of the moon being consumed by thirsty bulls, further enrich the song's contemplative nature, symbolizing the unattainable and the inevitable consumption of beauty and dreams by harsh realities.

The song's final verses touch on themes of love and loss, with Yupanqui describing a moment of departure and the emotional weight it carries. The act of desensitizing his horse after seeing his lover cry signifies a surrender to emotional bonds, despite the constant urge to keep moving. The closing lines, 'Con mi caballo y mi lazo, paso la vida tranquilo, llevo un cartel en la frente: ¡No me vendo, ni me alquilo!' (With my horse and my lasso, I live my life peacefully, I carry a sign on my forehead: I am not for sale or rent), encapsulate a sense of personal integrity and resilience amidst life's trials.