Turay, Turay

“Turay, Turay” by Los Manseros Santiagueños is a poetic and evocative song that delves into the mystical and cultural heritage of the Quichua people. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the gods wandering through the night, embodying a sense of timelessness and connection to the natural world. The repetition of the phrase “Turay, turay, turay” mimics the haunting call of the cacuy, a bird often associated with omens and the supernatural in Andean folklore. This refrain serves as a bridge between the divine and the earthly, echoing through the quebrachal (a type of forest) as the gods traverse the landscape.

The song also captures the daily rhythms of rural life, with references to the sounds of axes and the movement of carts. These elements ground the mystical journey of the gods in the tangible reality of human labor and existence. The imagery of the “majada” (herd) returning from the pasture and the bleating of a kid goat adds a layer of pastoral tranquility, contrasting with the ethereal wanderings of the gods. This juxtaposition highlights the interconnectedness of the sacred and the mundane, suggesting that the divine is present in everyday life.

As the song progresses, the arrival of dawn brings a sense of weariness to the gods, who are described as being “embriagados” (intoxicated) by the relics of peace. This metaphorical intoxication could symbolize the overwhelming beauty and serenity of the natural world, which leaves even the gods in a state of awe. The final verses introduce the crespín, another bird whose mournful cry adds to the song’s atmosphere of melancholy and reflection. Through its rich imagery and lyrical depth, “Turay, Turay” invites listeners to contemplate the profound connections between nature, spirituality, and human life.