Quisiera Tener Un Monte

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song 'Quisiera Tener Un Monte' is a poetic and heartfelt ode to nature and the simple, sacred life it offers. The lyrics express a deep yearning to possess a piece of land, a 'monte,' in a provincial area. This desire is not just for ownership but for the profound connection and peace that such a place would bring. Yupanqui imagines himself surrounded by the sounds of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the serene silence that nature provides. This setting becomes a sanctuary where he can find solace and a sense of the sacred in the everyday moments of life.

The song is rich with imagery that evokes the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. Yupanqui speaks of protecting the nests of birds, the delicate balance of life represented by 'brizna, espina, pluma o barro' (blade of grass, thorn, feather, or mud). This imagery highlights his respect and reverence for all forms of life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. The 'sonora sombra del árbol' (sonorous shadow of the tree) suggests a place where sound and silence coexist harmoniously, creating a perfect environment for reflection and creativity.

Yupanqui's wish to take his guitar into the heart of the forest and leave it there to rest on the branches of a tree symbolizes a deep connection between music and nature. The idea that birds might make a nest in his guitar while his shadow wanders alone through the fields speaks to the cyclical and interconnected nature of life. It suggests that even in solitude, there is a continuity and a shared existence with the natural world. This song is a beautiful reflection on the desire for a simpler, more meaningful life, deeply rooted in the rhythms and cycles of nature.