La Huída

Mercedes Sosa's song 'La Huída' captures a moment of intense urgency and desperation. The repeated exhortation 'Vamos! vamos! burrito apura!' (Come on! Come on! little donkey, hurry up!) sets the tone for a frantic escape. The lyrics suggest a dire situation where the protagonists must flee quickly to avoid being caught, as indicated by lines like 'Si no te apuras los van a pillar' (If you don't hurry, they will catch you). The imagery of a long road and a vast salt flat ('Largo el camino, largo el salitral') emphasizes the arduous journey ahead.

The song also touches on themes of violence and danger, with references to a knife already drawing blood ('Ya esta sangrando el puñal') and the imminent threat of being captured and killed ('Ya tocan a degollar'). These lines paint a vivid picture of the perilous circumstances driving the need for escape. The urgency is palpable, and the listener can almost feel the fear and desperation of the characters.

Amidst the chaos, there is a tender moment where the singer tries to comfort a child, saying 'Niño bonito, no lloris mi amor' (Beautiful child, don't cry my love) and promising a better land ahead ('Ya llegaremos a tierra mejor'). This juxtaposition of danger and tenderness adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the human element in the midst of a crisis. The lullaby-like lines 'Duermete ya, no lloris, Cuna en mis brazos te hare' (Sleep now, don't cry, I'll make a cradle in my arms) offer a fleeting sense of solace and hope, even as the urgency to escape remains.

Overall, 'La Huída' is a powerful song that conveys the desperation of fleeing from danger, the harsh realities of violence, and the enduring hope for a better future. Mercedes Sosa's emotive delivery and the vivid imagery in the lyrics make this song a poignant reflection on the human condition in times of crisis.