Ayer Bajé Al Poblao

José Larralde's 'Ayer Bajé Al Poblao' is a poignant reflection on the hardships faced by rural workers, expressed through the lens of a man's visit to the town ('poblao'). The song's lyrics convey a sense of frustration and desperation, as the protagonist seeks relief from his struggles through alcohol ('un pedo flor') and expresses a desire to fight against his circumstances, even if it means challenging divine authority ('Con ganas de pelearme hasta con Dios'). The repeated mention of the liebre (hare) being elusive ('una luz con tanta bala') symbolizes the difficulty of making a living through hunting, a metaphor for the broader challenges of rural life.

The song also touches on the social divide between the townspeople ('pueblero') and the rural workers ('peón'). The townspeople's superior firearms ('unas brutas escopeta') represent their greater resources and opportunities, which contrast sharply with the protagonist's meager existence ('un cuerito flaco que es mi pan'). This disparity is further highlighted by the protagonist's old shotgun ('mi viejo doce chico') that fails to fire, symbolizing his powerlessness and the erosion of his means to sustain himself.

Larralde's narrative is not just a personal lament but a commentary on the broader socio-economic issues affecting rural communities. The lack of employment ('no hay trabajo') and the influx of outsiders ('vienen tantos') exacerbate the struggles of the local workers, leaving them with little to no support ('Y pa nosotros nada vió'). The song is a call to acknowledge and address the plight of those living on the margins, struggling to survive in a changing world.