Memoria Del Cuero

Jorge Drexler's 'Memoria Del Cuero' is a poignant exploration of historical trauma and resilience, woven through the metaphor of the drum (cuero) and the experiences of his ancestors. The song begins by evoking the harrowing journey of African slaves in the holds of slave ships, where the rhythm of the candombe—a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music and dance form—served as a form of resistance and a means to preserve their cultural identity. The 'cuero' (leather) of the drum symbolizes both the physical and emotional scars borne by the enslaved individuals, as well as their enduring spirit.

The lyrics vividly describe the slaves' suffering and their attempts to heal through music, with lines like 'curando el miedo y el mareo, curando el golpe del carcelero' (healing the fear and the seasickness, healing the blow of the jailer). The repetitive imagery of hands beating the ground and each other, 'igual que un tambor, madera y cuero' (like a drum, wood and leather), underscores the relentless struggle and the unyielding hope that music provided. This section of the song is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

In the latter part of the song, Drexler shifts to a more personal narrative, recounting his grandfather's escape from war-torn Europe on a cargo ship. This parallel journey of escape and survival highlights the universal nature of displacement and the search for safety. The repeated questioning of '¿Dónde está el cielo, donde está el cielo? ¿Dónde está Dios, que no lo veo?' (Where is heaven, where is heaven? Where is God, I can't see him?) reflects a deep existential anguish and a quest for meaning amidst suffering. Through 'Memoria Del Cuero,' Drexler masterfully connects the historical and personal, using the drum as a symbol of both pain and perseverance, creating a rich tapestry of memory and identity.