Del Tiempo I' Ñaupa

Los Hermanos Simon's song "Del Tiempo I' Ñaupa" is a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the passage of time, all encapsulated within the traditional Argentine folk genre of chacarera. The lyrics evoke a deep sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as they recount the sorrow and pain emanating from the mountains, transforming these emotions into a song. The chacarera, a dance and music style native to Argentina, serves as a vessel for these feelings, symbolizing the cultural heritage and the connection to the land.

The song speaks of an old forest, almost mineral in its ancientness, and the anguish of its impending end. The imagery of the forest and the mention of the quitilipi, a type of bird, playing its flute, create a vivid picture of a natural world in mourning. The forest, once a vibrant and living entity, is now a place of sorrow, with the wind whistling sadly through the branches, lamenting the absence of what once was. This connection to nature and the environment is a recurring theme in many folk songs, reflecting the deep bond between the people and their land.

The recurring motif of the chacarera finding a home in the singer's guitar highlights the inseparable bond between the musician and their music. The guitar becomes a sanctuary for the song, a place where it can nest and remain alive. This metaphor underscores the idea that music is not just a form of expression but a living entity that needs a place to reside and be nurtured. The mutual dependency between the singer and the chacarera suggests that the preservation of cultural traditions and memories is a shared responsibility, one that requires both the artist and the audience to keep it alive.

"Del Tiempo I' Ñaupa" is a beautiful and haunting reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the past. It speaks to the universal human experience of loss and the enduring power of music to capture and convey our deepest emotions.