Madre Del Monte

Atahualpa Yupanqui's 'Madre Del Monte' is a poignant exploration of solitude, nature, and the human condition. The song, delivered in the traditional Argentine folk style known as vidala, delves into the deep emotional landscape of a person who finds solace and reflection in the wilderness. The lyrics speak to the intimate connection between the singer and the natural world, particularly the 'Mother of the Mountain,' a symbolic figure representing the nurturing and omnipresent force of nature.

The song opens with a reflection on the duality of human experience, where outward expressions of joy often mask inner sorrow. This theme is encapsulated in the lines, 'La copla y el hombre tienen un secreto que guardar. Cuando cantan noche afuera, por dentro llorando están.' Here, Yupanqui suggests that both the song (copla) and the man harbor secrets, and while they may sing joyfully at night, they are crying inside. This duality is a common theme in folk music, where the beauty of the melody contrasts with the melancholy of the lyrics.

As the song progresses, the singer contemplates his place in the world and his relationship with the divine. The repeated plea, 'Ay, Madre del Monte, por dónde andaré,' reflects a sense of wandering and searching for meaning. The singer's resignation to silence if God does not listen to his pleas ('Si Dios no quiere escucharme, callado me alejaré') underscores a profound sense of humility and acceptance. The imagery of the singer's song hanging in the air, waiting for the sun to mature it, symbolizes hope and the passage of time, suggesting that even in silence, there is potential for growth and transformation.

Ultimately, 'Madre Del Monte' is a meditation on the transient nature of life and the enduring presence of nature. The singer's journey through the world, likened to an 'errante vidala,' speaks to the universal human experience of searching for purpose and connection. When silence finally envelops him, he acknowledges that he will no longer even be a song, highlighting the ephemeral nature of existence and the lasting impact of one's journey through life.