A Caballo Vamos Pal´ Monte

The song 'A Caballo Vamos Pal´ Monte' by Celina Y Reutilio is a vibrant expression of Cuban country life and the pride of the rural 'guajiro' (peasant). The lyrics paint a picture of a cheerful carter, who is content with his work and the simple pleasures of country living. The repetitive chorus 'A caballo vamos pal´ monte' translates to 'We ride horseback to the mountain,' symbolizing a journey or a return to nature and the roots of rural Cuban life.

The song also touches on themes of hard work and personal goals, as the carter sings about working tirelessly to achieve the dream of getting married, which would make him a 'dichoso guajiro' or a happy peasant. This reflects the values of dedication and the pursuit of happiness through personal achievement within the rural communities. The mention of 'chapea el monte, cultiva el llano' (clear the mountain, cultivate the plain) and 'recoge el fruto de tu sudor' (reap the fruit of your sweat) emphasizes the connection between labor and reward, a fundamental aspect of agrarian life.

Celina Y Reutilio were known for their music that celebrated Afro-Cuban religious themes and the countryside. Their style often included the use of traditional Cuban instruments and rhythms, which helped to convey the authenticity of the rural experience. 'A Caballo Vamos Pal´ Monte' is a testament to the duo's commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of the Cuban countryside through their music.