El Botellero

José Larralde's song "El Botellero" paints a vivid and melancholic picture of a bottle collector, a figure often seen in the streets but rarely acknowledged. The lyrics describe a man who appears to be born on the road, with long hair and a grown beard, pushing a rickety cart and shouting his trade to an indifferent world. His voice, described as a 'voice of wine,' suggests a life marred by hardship and perhaps alcoholism. The repetition of his cries, "Botellas vacías compro! Fierros viejos compro!" (I buy empty bottles! I buy old iron!), underscores his desperate attempt to make a living from society's discarded items.

The song's tone is deeply nostalgic and sorrowful, evoking a sense of empathy for the botellero. Larralde's lyrics highlight the botellero's invisibility, as he shouts his miseries to a world that does not hear him. The imagery of the botellero's long hair and beard, combined with his ragged appearance, paints a picture of a man who has been worn down by life. The line "No tires piedra gurí!" (Don't throw stones, kid!) adds a layer of vulnerability, showing that even children mock and mistreat him.

José Larralde, known for his folk music that often addresses social issues and the lives of marginalized people, uses "El Botellero" to shed light on the struggles of those who live on the fringes of society. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the humanity of people who are often overlooked and forgotten. Through his music, Larralde gives a voice to the voiceless, urging listeners to see and acknowledge the botellero's existence and struggles.