Dinh-hung, Juglar

Daniel Viglietti's song "Dinh-hung, Juglar" is a poignant and heart-wrenching narrative that delves into the brutal realities of the Vietnam War. The song is structured as a chamarrita, a traditional folk style from Uruguay, which adds a layer of cultural depth and emotional resonance to the storytelling. Through its simple yet powerful lyrics, the song tells the story of a young Vietnamese boy named Dinh-hung, who was a poet and a victim of the war.

The lyrics begin by setting the stage for a sorrowful tale, hinting at the bitterness of the story to come. The village of Van-ding in Vietnam is introduced, and we learn that it was home to a school. The tranquility of this setting is shattered by a deadly air raid, leaving behind only a notebook as a silent witness to the tragedy. This imagery is stark and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the destruction and loss caused by the war.

The song's most poignant moment comes when we learn about Dinh-hung, a 13-year-old boy who signed his poems as "Dinh-hung, Juglar" (Dinh-hung, the minstrel). His young life, full of potential and creativity, was cut short by the violence of the war. The final lines of the song drive home the universality of this tragedy, suggesting that Dinh-hung's story is just one of many similar stories from Vietnam. The song ends with a haunting challenge to the listener: to try and forget this story, if they can. This closing line underscores the enduring impact of such tragedies and the importance of remembering them.

Viglietti's song is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, particularly on the innocent and the young. It serves as a tribute to the countless lives lost and a call to remember their stories, ensuring that their voices are not forgotten.