Subo Subo

Mercedes Sosa's 'Subo Subo' is a poignant song that encapsulates the feeling of seeking solace and escape from pain through a physical and metaphorical ascent. The lyrics describe a journey to the high hills to cry alone and in solitude, with the hope that the pain will diminish or 'apuna,' a term that refers to the altitude sickness that can occur in high elevations. The use of this term suggests that just as the body can struggle to adapt to high altitudes, the soul can struggle to adapt to the pain of life, and there is a hope that by rising above, one can leave behind the suffering.

The song paints a vivid picture of the landscape, with the ranches left behind and the clouds drawing near, indicating the singer's ascent into the mountains. This ascent is not just physical but also emotional, as the singer seeks to burn away sorrows with each step, accompanied by a mule that is described as more beautiful than the singer. The imagery of the dying afternoon adds to the melancholic yet serene atmosphere of the song, suggesting a resignation to the hardships of life while still moving forward.

Mercedes Sosa, known for her powerful voice and her role in the Nueva Canción movement, often used her music to convey deep emotional states and social messages. In 'Subo Subo,' she may be touching on themes of personal grief, the search for peace, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The song's simple yet evocative lyrics allow listeners to connect with the universal experience of coping with pain and the quest for emotional healing.