Mi Abuela
Gualberto Ibarreto
The Wisdom of Simplicity: A Tribute to Grandmothers
The song "Mi Abuela" by Gualberto Ibarreto is a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom and simplicity of grandmothers, particularly the artist's own. The lyrics reflect on the knowledge and skills that his grandmother possessed, which may not have been academic or modern, but were nonetheless valuable and essential for the well-being of her family. The song emphasizes the contrast between traditional knowledge and the modern world's expectations, suggesting that there is much to be learned from the older generation's way of life.
The repeated lines about the grandmother's inability to understand geometry, yet her skill in making perfectly round arepas (a type of food), serve as a metaphor for the practical knowledge that comes from experience rather than formal education. The song also touches on the grandmother's values, such as sharing, hard work, and being against servitude, which are presented as more important than superficial modern concerns like manicures or following the latest trends.
Lastly, the song reflects a sense of nostalgia and a critical view of contemporary society. It suggests that the grandmother's simple, honest, and hardworking approach to life is at odds with the 'cheap politics' and 'fatal fashion' of the present day. The artist laments that the world his grandmother envisioned for her grandchildren is not the one they have inherited, implying a loss of the values and simplicity that she embodied.