Campesino

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song 'Campesino' is a heartfelt tribute to the rural farmers, or campesinos, who work tirelessly on the land. The song opens with a poignant reminder to respect the paths in the fields, as they are imbued with the dreams and legacies of the ancestors who once toiled there. This imagery sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the deep connection between the campesinos and their land, which is not just a source of livelihood but a repository of history and memory.

Yupanqui's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the campesinos' lives, describing them as integral parts of the natural world. Some become 'tierra menuda' (fine earth), others the 'raíz del trigo' (root of the wheat), and still others as 'piedras dispersas' (scattered stones) by the riverbank. This metaphorical language underscores the idea that the campesinos are inextricably linked to the land—they are both its cultivators and its essence. The repetition of 'Campesino, Campesino. ¡Por ti canto, Campesino!' serves as a refrain that honors their enduring spirit and sacrifices.

The song also touches on the cyclical nature of life and labor in the fields. The campesinos' work is described as a sacred mission involving 'nieve, sol y sacrificio' (snow, sun, and sacrifice). Their lives are a continuous cycle of 'morir sembrando la vida' (dying while sowing life) and 'vivir, templando su grito' (living, tempering their cry). This duality highlights the profound resilience and dedication required to sustain agricultural life. The closing lines reiterate the respect owed to the ancestors, who are 'nunca muertos, sí dormidos' (never dead, only sleeping), reinforcing the idea of an eternal, living connection between past and present campesinos.

Yupanqui's 'Campesino' is not just a song but a poetic homage that elevates the campesinos' daily struggles and triumphs to a sacred, almost mythic level. It calls for recognition and respect for those who sustain life through their labor, reminding us of the timeless bond between humanity and the earth.