La Ronda
Marta Gómez
The Healing Circle of 'La Ronda'
Marta Gómez's song 'La Ronda' is a beautiful and poetic piece that draws on the imagery of childhood games to convey a deeper message of unity and peace. The recurring phrase 'A la rueda, rueda de pan y canela' evokes the innocence and simplicity of a children's circle game, where participants hold hands and move in a circle. This imagery is used as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The mention of 'pan y canela' (bread and cinnamon) adds a comforting, homely touch, suggesting that simple, everyday pleasures can bring people together and foster a sense of community.
The song's lyrics also juxtapose natural elements like the sun, earth, sea, and wind with human-made objects like wooden horses. This blend of the natural and the artificial highlights the harmony that can exist between different aspects of life. The lines 'A ver si se acaban to' los problemas / Jugando a la ronda pan y canela' (Let's see if all the problems end / Playing the circle game of bread and cinnamon) suggest that many of life's issues could be resolved through unity, playfulness, and a return to simpler, more innocent times.
Marta Gómez's musical style often incorporates elements of Latin American folk music, and 'La Ronda' is no exception. The song's rhythm and melody are reminiscent of traditional children's songs, which adds to its nostalgic and comforting feel. By using the metaphor of a children's game, Gómez invites listeners to consider how the values of innocence, play, and community can be powerful tools for addressing larger societal issues. The song ultimately serves as a reminder that sometimes, the solutions to our problems can be found in the simplest of actions and the most fundamental human connections.