Copla de Ausencia

Los Chalchaleros, a renowned Argentine folk group, bring to life the poignant emotions of longing and nostalgia in their song 'Copla de Ausencia.' The song is a zamba, a traditional Argentine music genre known for its melancholic and romantic themes. The lyrics are rich with imagery and cultural references, painting a vivid picture of the singer's deep connection to their homeland and the pain of separation from a loved one.

The song opens with the singer describing how they have brought a 'copla' (a traditional Spanish poetic form) from Cafayate, a region known for its beautiful landscapes and vineyards. The copla is said to be 'robbed' from the green sugarcane fields, suggesting that it carries the essence and spirit of the land. The singer likens themselves to a 'vidalero,' a traditional folk singer, whose songs resonate like an ancient drum in the wind-swept valleys and the mournful cries of the carrezal (a type of grassland).

The refrain speaks of a journey back to the old valley, a metaphor for returning to one's roots and memories. The 'copla de ausencia' (song of absence) is a tribute to a lost love, a heartfelt expression of yearning and desire. The singer confesses to stealing this sad song from the stars, which sometimes seem to cry, and from the distant light of their own singing. The prolonged absence and the dark night of sorrow have only intensified the singer's emotions, leading them to bring back 'coplas de fuego' (songs of fire) for their beloved, symbolizing a burning passion and undying love.

'Copla de Ausencia' is a beautiful example of how music can encapsulate the essence of a place and the depth of human emotions. Los Chalchaleros masterfully blend traditional folk elements with poetic lyrics to create a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation and the longing for home.