La Guardía Nueva
Augusto Polo Campos
Echoes of Tradition in a Modern Voice
The song "La Guardía Nueva" by Augusto Polo Campos is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of Peruvian music and culture. The lyrics express the artist's desire to be a new voice for the old songs that never die, symbolizing a bridge between the past and the present. The singer compares himself to a sparrow eager to sing for the first time, asking for permission to nest and sing a waltz under the listener's eave, which metaphorically suggests a wish to be welcomed into the hearts of the audience.
The song continues with the artist's plea to God to allow him to sing to Peru like a jilguero, a songbird known for its beautiful melody. This comparison emphasizes the purity and beauty of the singer's intentions. The lyrics also mention the desire to start living by declaring love for Peru, highlighting a deep sense of national pride and the importance of expressing it through music. The reference to Ricardo Palma, a Peruvian author known for his traditionalist literature, and Pinglo, likely referring to Felipe Pinglo Alva, a famous Peruvian songwriter, further roots the song in the country's rich cultural heritage.
"La Guardía Nueva" is not just a song but a declaration of cultural identity and continuity. The singer positions himself as the 'new guard,' ready to carry the banner left by the predecessors and to instill the same fervor and love for Peruvian culture in the hearts of the new generation. The song is a call to remember and cherish the traditions while embracing the new voices that seek to honor and perpetuate them.