Quimey Neuquén

José Larralde's 'Quimey Neuquén' is a song that paints a vivid picture of the Neuquén province in Argentina, blending the natural beauty of the region with its rich indigenous heritage. The lyrics evoke a deep sense of place and history, with references to the landscape and the Mapuche people, an indigenous group from the area. The song's title itself, 'Quimey Neuquén,' translates to 'beautiful Neuquén' in the Mapuche language, highlighting the affection and reverence Larralde holds for the land.

The song begins with powerful imagery, mentioning the 'Sol de los arenales' (Sun of the sandy areas) and the blood of the brave Sayhueque, a reference to the Mapuche chief who resisted the Argentine army during the Conquest of the Desert. The 'desbocado potro Pehuenche' (unbridled Pehuenche colt) symbolizes the untamed spirit of the Pehuenche people, a subgroup of the Mapuche. Larralde's lyrics are a tribute to the enduring legacy of the indigenous people and their connection to the land.

Throughout the song, water serves as a metaphor for memory and the desire to return to one's roots. The repeated lines 'Aguas que van, quieren volver' (Waters that go, want to return) suggest a longing for the past and a connection to ancestral lands. The 'Río arriba del canto aprendido' (Upstream of the learned song) implies that the culture and traditions of the Neuquén people continue to flow and thrive, despite the passage of time. Larralde's music and lyrics together create a sense of nostalgia and a call to remember and honor the history and culture of Neuquén.