Y La Milonga Lo Sabe

Mercedes Sosa's song "Y La Milonga Lo Sabe" is a heartfelt tribute to the traditional Argentine music and dance form known as the milonga. The lyrics delve into the deep emotional connection between the singer and the milonga, portraying it as a vessel for expressing profound feelings and memories. The song opens with the imagery of singing in milongas, where the music becomes an intrinsic part of the singer's being, blending with their blood and evoking the essence of the southern regions of Argentina. This connection is so strong that the milonga itself seems to understand and resonate with the singer's emotions.

The second verse highlights the transformative power of music. When the singer performs with their soul, the guitar strings seem to grow wings, creating new melodies that soar through the air. This metaphor illustrates the liberating and uplifting nature of music, which can transcend ordinary experiences and elevate both the performer and the audience. The milonga, in this context, is not just a musical form but a living, breathing entity that shares in the creation of these new, ethereal sounds.

The song also touches on themes of sorrow and memory. When hidden pain surfaces, the milonga serves as a comforting companion, especially in the melancholic key of D minor. It embraces and shelters the singer, helping to dispel the shadows of forgetfulness. The reference to Zitarrosa, a renowned Uruguayan singer known for his poignant songs, underscores the idea that music can articulate and alleviate deep-seated pain. The milonga, with its rhythmic and melodic structure, becomes a means of anchoring memories and distracting from the inevitability of death.

In the final verses, the song reflects on the singer's homeland, which has traveled far and wide, losing its direction and heart. Yet, through the milonga, it finds a sense of belonging and expresses a desire to stay. The closing lines reiterate the singer's practice of performing in milongas, as if to ensure that life itself is sufficient. This cyclical return to the milonga underscores its role as a constant, grounding force in the singer's life, capable of capturing and conveying the full spectrum of human emotion.