Versos de un payador a la señora Eva Perón
Homero Manzi
A Tribute to Eva Perón: A Payador's Reverence
Homero Manzi's song "Versos de un payador a la señora Eva Perón" is a heartfelt tribute to Eva Perón, the iconic First Lady of Argentina. The song is delivered in the traditional style of a payador, a South American troubadour known for their improvised verses and guitar accompaniment. Manzi's lyrics are rich with admiration and respect, painting Eva Perón as a figure of immense compassion and strength.
The song begins with the payador entering Eva Perón's home, metaphorically, with his guitar tuned by fervor and each string representing a pulse of love. This sets the tone for a deeply personal and respectful homage. Manzi acknowledges that the style of the payador is somewhat outdated, but he feels compelled to revive it for this noble occasion, underscoring the significance of Eva Perón's impact on him and the nation.
Manzi's verses also pay tribute to General Juan Perón, Eva's husband and the President of Argentina. He describes Juan Perón as the "verbo mayor" (the greater verb) and Eva as the "mayor templanza" (the greater temperance), highlighting their complementary roles in leading the country. Juan is portrayed as the forceful leader, while Eva is the compassionate hand that soothes the nation's pain. Together, they are depicted as the vanguard of a crusade, inspiring the masses with their fervor and dedication.
The song concludes with the payador humbly asking for forgiveness if his muse did not sing as well as he hoped, emphasizing his deep respect and admiration for Eva Perón. This final plea underscores the sincerity and humility of the payador, making the tribute even more poignant and heartfelt.