Y Cantaban La Piedras En El Rio

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song "Y Cantaban La Piedras En El Rio" is a poetic exploration of nature, self-reflection, and the passage of time. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that evoke a deep connection to the natural world and a profound sense of introspection. Yupanqui, an iconic figure in Argentine folk music, often drew inspiration from the landscapes and rural life of his homeland, and this song is no exception.

The song begins with the evocative image of stones singing in the river, setting a mystical and contemplative tone. The narrator's heart searches in vain for the right words, suggesting a struggle to articulate deep emotions or thoughts. The mention of the Cerro Colorado releasing its eaglets and then falling silent like an empty nest symbolizes the cycles of life and the inevitable changes that come with time. The water, described as having birds, sorrows, insomnia, and delirium, serves as a metaphor for the complexity and depth of human experience.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the wisdom of the elders, who measured the world with their steady steps until they found peace in old age. The night, with its distinct presence for different beings, becomes a canvas for the narrator's inner world. The act of constructing the night within oneself and lighting up the stars symbolizes the creation of personal meaning and the pursuit of dreams. However, the narrator also experiences a sense of loss and disconnection, as they give away pieces of their night to the world and are left waiting, empty-handed and contemplative.

The recurring motif of the stones singing in the river ties the song together, representing the enduring and eternal aspects of nature and life. Yupanqui's lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys, the passage of time, and the interplay between the external world and inner self. The song is a beautiful meditation on existence, filled with the wisdom and poetic sensibility that characterize Yupanqui's work.