Ruta
La Portuaria
The Journey of Life: A Reflective Path in 'Ruta' by La Portuaria
La Portuaria's song 'Ruta' paints a vivid picture of life's journey through a series of evocative images and metaphors. The lyrics open with the simple act of drinking a cup of coffee on a cold morning, setting a tone of introspection and solitude. This scene transitions into a broader reflection on different moments in life, from a loveless morning to a relaxed or drunken night in front of a fan. These contrasting experiences highlight the mundane yet profound moments that make up our existence, suggesting that life is a mix of highs and lows, excitement and calm, love and loneliness.
The song's chorus introduces the metaphor of an 'eternal route in the middle of nowhere,' symbolizing the endless journey of life. The vast pampas and the long bus ride evoke a sense of both isolation and continuity, emphasizing that life is a series of stops and starts, arrivals and departures. The imagery of sleeping dressed and being comforted by the noise of an old bus engine further underscores the theme of enduring through life's long, sometimes monotonous, journey.
The final lines of the song bring a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life. The repetition of 'if tomorrow I won't be here, if tomorrow you won't be here' serves as a reminder of life's impermanence. The metaphor of life as a route where 'someone arrives, someone leaves' encapsulates the essence of human existence—constant movement, change, and the inevitable comings and goings of people in our lives. La Portuaria's 'Ruta' thus becomes a contemplative anthem about the passage of time and the journey we all undertake.