La Piragua

Chico Trujillo's song "La Piragua" is a vibrant homage to a legendary boat and its captain, Guillermo Cubillos. The repetitive and rhythmic lyrics emphasize the significance of this piragua, a type of canoe, in the cultural memory of the community. The song opens with a nostalgic recounting by the elders, who speak of a time when this boat navigated the river, connecting various places and people. The repetition of the phrase "Era la piragua" serves to engrain the image of this iconic vessel in the listener's mind, highlighting its importance and the lasting impression it left on those who witnessed its journeys.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the piragua's voyages, describing how it braved storms and was followed by a constellation of stars, symbolizing its legendary status. The boat's resilience against the elements and its role in connecting distant shores are metaphors for strength, unity, and the enduring spirit of the community. The mention of the boat traveling to "las playas del amor en chimichagua" adds a romantic and almost mythical dimension to its story, suggesting that the piragua was not just a means of transportation but a vessel of dreams and love.

Chico Trujillo, known for blending traditional cumbia with modern sounds, uses this song to celebrate cultural heritage and collective memory. The repetitive structure and lively rhythm are characteristic of cumbia music, inviting listeners to not only remember but also to dance and celebrate the past. "La Piragua" is a testament to the power of storytelling through music, preserving the tales of yesteryears and keeping the spirit of Guillermo Cubillos' piragua alive for future generations.