La Humilde

Duo Coplanacu's song "La Humilde" is a heartfelt tribute to the cultural and natural landscape of Santiago del Estero, a province in Argentina. The lyrics are steeped in the imagery and traditions of the region, painting a vivid picture of the land and its people. The song opens with the declaration, "Soy chacarera," identifying the singer with the traditional Argentine folk dance, the chacarera. This dance is not just a cultural artifact but a living, breathing part of the singer's identity, symbolizing the deep connection to their roots and heritage.

The lyrics are rich with references to the natural environment, such as the Salamanca, algarrobos (carob trees), and the Dulce and Salado rivers. These elements are not mere backdrops but integral parts of the singer's being, as if their very blood is infused with the essence of the land. The mention of "senderito i'cabras" (goat paths) and "mistol" (a type of tree) further grounds the song in the rural, earthy reality of Santiago del Estero. The singer's humility is likened to the humble chacarera itself, a dance that, despite its simplicity, carries profound cultural significance.

In the second part of the song, the singer continues to weave a tapestry of sensory experiences, from the "huella fresca en los bañados" (fresh tracks in the wetlands) to the "silbo en los jumiales" (whistle in the cornfields). The imagery of the moon's tears and the sound of the bombo (a traditional drum) and guitar evoke the emotional and musical landscape of the region. The singer identifies as a vessel of memory and feeling, carrying the legacy of their ancestors, the "arrieros de coplas" (herders of songs) who celebrated life through music and dance during the carnival. This connection to the past is not nostalgic but a living tradition that continues to shape the present.