Xalbadorren heriotzean

The song "Xalbadorren heriotzean" by Herrikoiak is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved friend and poet, Xalbador, a figure deeply rooted in Basque culture and tradition. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who was profoundly emotional and whose verses were transformed by feelings, suggesting that Xalbador's poetry had the power to move and affect those who heard it. The reference to 'poesiaren hegoek' (wings of poetry) and 'sentimenduzko bertsoek' (verses full of feeling) indicates the depth and passion with which he wrote.

The song also portrays the poet as a solitary figure, likened to a 'Plazetako kantari' (singer in the squares), weaving the fabric of words while bearing the weight of solitude and learned pain. This imagery evokes the traditional Basque bard or 'bertsolari', who would perform improvised sung poetry in public spaces. The mention of 'bakardadez josia' (woven with solitude) and 'oinazez ikasia' (taught by suffering) suggests that his art was born out of personal hardship and introspection.

The chorus asks where the shepherd of Urepele, a village in the Basque Country, has gone, climbing the mountain slopes into the realm of memories, hinting at Xalbador's passing. The song speaks of breaking free from barriers, both physical and metaphorical, as the poet's song is liberated from all bonds, yearning for freedom. The 'azken hatsa' (last breath) is described as the deepest verse, a powerful cry for things that can never be said, revealing the intensity of unexpressed emotions and the poet's ultimate release in death.