Chacarera de los pagos

Alejandro Lerner's song "Chacarera de los pagos" is a heartfelt homage to the traditional Argentine folk music genre known as chacarera. The lyrics reflect a deep connection to his roots and the cultural heritage of his homeland. The repetition of the phrase "la canto porque yo canto y porque se me canta cantar" emphasizes the intrinsic motivation and joy that comes from singing, suggesting that music is an essential part of his identity and existence.

The song contrasts the simplicity and authenticity of rural life with the complexities and artificiality of urban living. Lerner mentions the "vida en departamentos" (life in apartments) and "la luna artificial" (artificial moon), highlighting the disconnection from nature and the traditional way of life. The noise and chaos of the city, represented by "los ruidos y las bocinas" (the noises and horns), make it difficult to dream and find peace. This juxtaposition underscores a longing for the purity and tranquility of the countryside, where the chacarera originates.

Lerner's use of imagery such as "rock and rolles de los ranchos" (rock and rolls of the ranches) and "comadrejas y caranchos" (weasels and vultures) paints a vivid picture of rural life, filled with its own unique rhythm and challenges. The song serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of cultural traditions, as he sings, "para luces y chacareras nunca termina la edad" (for lights and chacareras, age never ends). This line suggests that the spirit of the chacarera and the cultural heritage it represents are timeless and will continue to resonate through generations.

"Chacarera de los pagos" is not just a song; it's a celebration of identity, heritage, and the unbreakable bond between a person and their homeland. It speaks to the universal human experience of finding solace and meaning in one's roots, even amidst the noise and distractions of modern life.