Los Hombres del Río

Mercedes Sosa's song "Los Hombres del Río" paints a vivid picture of the lives of the men who work along the Paraná River. The lyrics are rich with imagery, depicting the daily grind and the natural beauty that surrounds these laborers. The song opens with the men starting their day under a wooden sun, a metaphor for the harsh and unyielding conditions they face. The Paraná River, a significant waterway in South America, is personified as it embraces the men, symbolizing both the challenges and the sustenance it provides.

The recurring theme of "andar" (to walk or to go) emphasizes the relentless nature of their work. The men are described as being in a constant state of motion, driven by dreams and the necessity to earn a living. The juxtaposition of "sueño y sol" (dream and sun) and "sangre y sol" (blood and sun) highlights the duality of their existence—hope and hardship intertwined. The river is not just a backdrop but a living entity that influences their lives, with its ebb and flow mirroring their own struggles and perseverance.

As the day progresses, the song shifts to the evening, where the men return, carrying the scent of orange groves. The moon and the delta of guitars symbolize a brief respite and the cultural richness that sustains them. The twilight and the breaking of silence by a navigational cry signify the end of a day's labor and the beginning of another cycle. The song is a tribute to the resilience and enduring spirit of these river men, capturing the essence of their daily lives and the natural world that shapes them.