Canción de Los Pastores

The song 'Canción de Los Pastores' by Estrella Morente, a renowned Flamenco singer from Spain, is a traditional piece that delves into the romanticized image of shepherds and pastoral life. The lyrics speak of shepherds and their distinct scents, which are associated with the natural elements they work with, such as wool and herbs like retama and romero (broom and rosemary). The repeated lines about the shepherds' smell serve as a metaphor for the purity and simplicity of rural life, contrasting with the complexity of urban existence.

The song also contains a playful warning to a child to stay away from the balconies, or else the singer will call upon justice to imprison the child with 'the chains of my loves.' This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the irresistible allure of love and the way it can 'ensnare' or captivate someone. The mention of a widow willing to pay for a priest's cassock, and the priest's witty refusal, adds a layer of humor and perhaps a critique of the church or the commodification of religious symbols.

Estrella Morente's interpretation of 'Canción de Los Pastores' likely brings a contemporary flair to the traditional lyrics, infusing them with her unique vocal style and Flamenco's emotive power. The song reflects themes of love, nature, and the tension between the pastoral and the ecclesiastical, all wrapped in the rich cultural tapestry of Spanish music.