La Huanchaqueña

Los Chalchaleros' song 'La Huanchaqueña' is a poignant zamba that delves into themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of human emotions. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of the singer's emotional landscape. The reference to 'terciopelo negro' (black velvet) symbolizes mourning and sorrow, suggesting that the singer is preparing to grieve if their beloved forgets them. This sets a somber tone, highlighting the depth of the singer's feelings and the pain of potential abandonment.

The song continues to explore the theme of loss with lines like 'Si me monto a los campos, siento el perderte' (If I ride into the fields, I feel the loss of you). This metaphor suggests that the singer's surroundings are imbued with memories of their beloved, making it impossible to escape the pain of separation. The repetition of 'esto es muy cierto' (this is very true) underscores the universality of this sentiment, implying that no one is truly content with what they have, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of deception with the lines 'tienes unos ojitos y unas pestañas y una lengua embustera que a mí me engaña' (you have little eyes and eyelashes and a deceitful tongue that deceives me). This suggests that the beloved's beauty is marred by dishonesty, adding another layer of complexity to the singer's emotions. The mention of 'alhelises' (wallflowers) further enriches the imagery, symbolizing delicate beauty and the care required to maintain it. The song's melancholic tone and rich metaphors make it a deeply moving exploration of love, loss, and the human condition.