Rumores
Eduardo da Luz
The Heartbeat of Tradition: Understanding 'Rumores' by Eduardo da Luz
Eduardo da Luz's song 'Rumores' is a vibrant defense of the cultural tradition of candombe, a style of music and dance that originated with African slaves in Uruguay. The lyrics address the negative chatter and rumors that often surround cultural practices, especially those with deep historical roots. Da Luz urges listeners to stop criticizing and to think for themselves rather than being swayed by baseless rumors. The song is a call to appreciate and continue the tradition of candombe, which some claim is dying or becoming monotonous.
The chorus, which repeats the line 'Deja de tanto criticar' ('Stop criticizing so much'), emphasizes the artist's frustration with the unfounded negative talk about candombe. He finds it strange that people who criticize the tradition are the same ones who enjoy it during cultural events like 'la llamada,' a reference to the calls of the drummers leading the parade during the Uruguayan Carnival. This contradiction highlights the hypocrisy of the critics and the enduring appeal of candombe.
The song also contains a metaphorical reference to the rising tide, suggesting that despite criticism, the cultural and emotional force of candombe is unstoppable. The phrase 'Mira que se viene sube la marea' ('Look, here it comes, the tide rises') serves as a powerful reminder that the spirit of candombe will continue to surge, and that not everyone can understand or participate in this deeply rooted cultural expression. 'Rumores' is not just a song; it's a celebration of cultural resilience and a rebuke to those who dismiss the importance of tradition.