De Santa Elena

Horacio Grisales' song 'De Santa Elena' is a vibrant narrative that captures the essence of cultural pride and identity. The lyrics recount the experiences of a father and son visiting Medellín, a bustling city, from their rural hometown of Santa Elena. The song is rich with imagery and local dialect, painting a vivid picture of their journey and the cultural clash they encounter. The father and son are initially bewildered by the urban environment, unsure of what to order in a restaurant and feeling the judgmental stares of city dwellers who see them as outsiders.

The chorus, 'De Santa Elena, de Santa Elena, Nosotros somos de Santa Elena,' is a powerful declaration of their roots and identity. Despite the mocking and murmurs from the city folk, the father proudly asserts their origin, emphasizing their rural heritage with pride. The mention of traditional items like 'peinilla, carriel y ruana' (a comb, a traditional leather bag, and a woolen poncho) further underscores their connection to their homeland and its customs. The father's defiant stance, even brandishing a machete, symbolizes a fierce protection of their identity and a refusal to be shamed or belittled.

The song also touches on themes of fear and bravery. The father's humorous admission of fearing his mother-in-law but being a 'demon' in a fight adds a layer of relatability and humor. The second visit to Medellín, where the son gets lost and the father angrily calls him back, highlights the protective nature of the father and the ongoing struggle to navigate and assert their identity in an unfamiliar environment. 'De Santa Elena' is not just a song about a trip to the city; it's a celebration of rural pride, familial bonds, and the resilience of cultural identity in the face of urbanization and modernity.