De Gurí

José Larralde's song "De Gurí" paints a vivid picture of the life of a rural worker, starting from childhood and continuing into adulthood. The term "gurí" refers to a young boy, and the song begins with the narrator reminiscing about his early years working alongside his father in the barns. He describes his tasks, such as selling cakes and herding, which were part of his daily routine. These early experiences are marked by a sense of duty and the beginning of a lifelong connection to the land and labor.

As the narrator grows older, he takes on more responsibilities, becoming a "benteveo," a term that can refer to a lookout or someone who keeps an eye on things. His work involves gathering small items and enduring physical strain, symbolized by the pain in his back and sides. This part of the song highlights the grueling nature of manual labor and the physical toll it takes on the workers. The imagery of the "oro blanco" (white gold) of the sheared sheep emphasizes the wealth generated by their hard work, which primarily benefits the landowners rather than the laborers themselves.

The song concludes with a reflection on the cyclical nature of this labor and the fleeting hopes of the workers. The narrator speaks of the day when they shear their sheep and the old hope of seeing their efforts bear fruit. However, he acknowledges that these hopes often remain unfulfilled, with the benefits going to a select few rather than the many who toil. The "nubecitas pa los pobres" (little clouds for the poor) and the "redondos medallones" (round medallions) symbolize the elusive rewards that seem always just out of reach for the common worker. Through its poignant lyrics, "De Gurí" captures the essence of rural life, the enduring hardships, and the persistent yet often unfulfilled hopes of those who work the land.