Lejanía
Lisandro Meza
The Heartache of Distance in 'Lejanía'
The song 'Lejanía,' performed by Lisandro Meza, is a poignant expression of homesickness and the deep connection one feels to their homeland. The title itself, 'Lejanía,' translates to 'distance' or 'remoteness' in English, setting the tone for the song's exploration of the emotional impact of being far from one's place of origin.
Lisandro Meza, a Colombian artist, is known for his contributions to the cumbia genre, a style of music and dance that originated in Colombia and is characterized by its rhythmic and melodic richness. In 'Lejanía,' Meza uses the cumbia to convey a sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics describe the beauty of his savannah homeland, nestled in the mountains, and the sadness that comes with being away from it. The reference to the 'valle de pubenza' and 'cauca' grounds the song in specific Colombian landscapes, emphasizing the personal and geographical specificity of his yearning.
The metaphor of a cumbia 'blooming' in his chest like a flower of nostalgia captures the bittersweet feeling of remembering one's roots while being physically separated from them. The cumbia becomes a symbol of his soul's music, a natural expression of his identity and connection to his land. The repetition of the phrase 'Ay me da, qué tristeza que me da' (Oh it gives me, what sadness it gives me) emphasizes the deep sorrow that accompanies his longing for home. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of being far from the place they love, making it a universal anthem of longing and belonging.