El Marucho
Los Trovadores de Cuyo
The Spirited Tale of 'El Marucho'
The song 'El Marucho' by Los Trovadores de Cuyo is a vibrant and humorous narrative that paints a picture of a local scene, likely in a rural or small-town setting in the Cuyo region of Argentina. The lyrics describe a woman, referred to as 'mi comadre' (my comadre or godmother of one's child), who is seen walking down the street with her 'compadre' (companion or godfather of one's child) slung over her shoulder. The man is humorously described as being 'medio curao,' which suggests he is somewhat drunk. The use of the term 'comadre' and 'compadre' indicates a close-knit community where such terms of endearment are common.
The song continues to depict the man's drunken antics, mentioning that he has overindulged in 'sopaipilla' (a type of fried pastry) to the point of indigestion. The lyrics playfully criticize his behavior when drunk, saying 'muestra la hilacha' (literally 'shows the thread'), which is an idiom meaning to reveal one's true, often negative, nature. The comparison of his face to that of a 'vizcacha' (a South American rodent) humorously exaggerates the effects of his overindulgence. The woman, on the other hand, is portrayed as being fed up with his antics, urging him to 'move las tabas' (get moving), but he remains stubbornly inactive.
The song, with its catchy rhythm and colloquial language, is likely meant to entertain while also providing a satirical commentary on social behavior, particularly the consequences of excessive drinking. Los Trovadores de Cuyo, known for their folk music that often reflects the traditions and daily life of the Cuyo region, use this song to create a vivid and amusing story that resonates with the local culture and humor.