La Noche Del Peludero
José Larralde
The Cold Night of the Fur Trapper: A Journey Through Poverty and Resilience
José Larralde's song 'La Noche Del Peludero' paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by the impoverished and marginalized communities in rural Argentina. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that evoke the struggles and resilience of these people. The 'caminito tierra y yuyo' (little path of earth and weeds) symbolizes the rough and unpaved roads that the poor must travel, both literally and metaphorically. The mention of 'bandaditas de murmullo' (little bands of murmurs) suggests the quiet, often unnoticed lives of these individuals, adorned only by the 'capullo de alguna escarchita blanca' (bud of some white frost), a fleeting beauty in their harsh existence.
The song's chorus, 'la noche del peludero' (the night of the fur trapper), serves as a poignant reminder of the cold and unforgiving nights that these people endure. The 'linyes y bagreros' (vagabonds and catfishers) and 'furtivos nutrieros' (furtive otter hunters) represent the various marginalized groups who traverse these lands, each with their own struggles and stories. The repeated line '¡la pucha que tiene frío!' (damn, it's cold!) underscores the physical and emotional coldness that permeates their lives.
Larralde also touches on the dignity and pride of these people, despite their hardships. The verse 'Lugar de la gente pobre, ¡cha digo la pobre gente!' (place of the poor people, I mean the poor folks!) highlights their humanity and resilience. These are people with 'verija caliente' (warm loins) and 'manos garrotadas' (calloused hands), who never ask for anything so that 'Dios no se le ausente' (God does not abandon them). The recited section further emphasizes the isolation and endurance of these individuals, with lines like 'Acostumbrao a estar solo' (used to being alone) and 'ojos limpios de chingolo' (eyes as clear as a sparrow's). The song is a powerful tribute to the strength and perseverance of those who live on the fringes of society, enduring the cold nights and harsh conditions with unwavering dignity.