Zamba Corta

Juana Molina's 'Zamba Corta' is a beautifully nostalgic song that captures the essence of a family gathering disrupted by an unexpected turn of events. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a day that was meant to be filled with joy and togetherness but was instead marked by a sudden change in weather. The opening lines, 'Yo no quería que nadie se fuera / Pero el día se dio de tal manera,' set the tone for the song, expressing a desire to hold onto a moment that is slipping away due to circumstances beyond control.

The mention of the grandmother, 'En la cocina estuvo mi abuela,' adds a layer of warmth and familial love to the narrative. The grandmother's presence in the kitchen, preparing food for the family, symbolizes the heart of the home and the effort put into making the day special. However, the sudden shift in weather, 'Y se nubló / Y se largó,' serves as a metaphor for life's unpredictability and the fleeting nature of perfect moments.

Despite the disruption, the song ends on a comforting note with the lines, 'Al mediodía, vacías las sillas / Vino mi abuela y comimos tortilla.' This closing scene of the grandmother and the narrator sharing a meal together, even after everyone else has left, highlights the enduring bond of family and the simple joys that can be found in shared moments, no matter how small. Juana Molina's 'Zamba Corta' is a poignant reminder of the beauty in everyday life and the importance of cherishing the time spent with loved ones.