Cancion De Cuna Costera
Juan Carlos Baglietto
Lullaby by the River: A Dive into 'Cancion De Cuna Costera'
The song 'Cancion De Cuna Costera' by Juan Carlos Baglietto is a tender and evocative piece that captures the essence of life by the Paraná River in Argentina. The lyrics paint a serene picture of a calm night on the river, where a fisherman is winding up his day's work, and a mother is gently rocking her child to sleep in a willow cradle. The lullaby she sings is imbued with the hopes and dreams she has for her child, reflecting a deep connection to their coastal environment.
The song's chorus, 'Gurisito costero, duermase,' which translates to 'Little coastal boy, go to sleep,' is a soothing refrain that underscores the intimate bond between the mother and her child. The mention of gifts like 'chalañitas de ceibo' (little shoes of ceibo, a native tree) and a 'collar de caracol' (snail shell necklace) symbolizes the natural treasures of their surroundings and the simple yet profound pleasures of their way of life. The lullaby is not just a song to induce sleep but also a transmission of cultural heritage and a life closely tied to the river and fishing.
The imagery of the moon reflecting on the water and the breeze playing with the song's melody creates a sense of tranquility and continuity. The echo that 'se pierde por el rio Paraná' (gets lost along the Paraná River) suggests the timeless nature of this scene, as generations of 'gurisitos costeros' (coastal children) have been lulled to sleep by similar lullabies. Juan Carlos Baglietto, with his folk and rock influences, delivers this song with a heartfelt performance that resonates with anyone who has experienced the comforting embrace of a lullaby.