Gracias mi folclore
Iván Villazón
A Love Eternal: The Heartbeat of Folklore
Iván Villazón's song "Gracias mi folclore" is a heartfelt tribute to both his love for vallenato music and his romantic partner. The lyrics intertwine the enduring nature of his love with the timelessness of vallenato, a traditional Colombian music genre. Villazón uses the hypothetical cessation of iconic vallenato musicians' performances as a metaphor for the end of his love, suggesting that as long as the music lives on, so will his affection. This creates a powerful image of love that is as enduring and unbreakable as the cultural heritage he cherishes.
The song references several legendary figures in the vallenato genre, such as Poncho Zuleta, Emiliano Zuleta, Diomedes Díaz, Juancho Rois, Jorge Oñate, and Israel Romero (Pollo Izra). By invoking these names, Villazón not only pays homage to the pillars of vallenato but also emphasizes the deep connection between his personal emotions and the cultural fabric of his homeland. The mention of these artists serves as a testament to the unending nature of his love, as these musicians are seen as eternal figures in the world of vallenato.
The chorus, which repeats the lines "Por eso estoy contento te tengo conmigo, por eso es que yo sueño despierto contigo," reinforces the joy and contentment Villazón feels in his relationship. The imagery of a heart "embriagado de amor" (intoxicated with love) and the idea of dreaming while awake highlight the intensity and passion of his feelings. The song is a celebration of love, both romantic and cultural, and it underscores the idea that true love, like true art, is timeless and unending. Villazón's gratitude to his folklore is not just for the music but for the way it allows him to express and experience his deepest emotions.