Regreso a La Tonada

In 'Regreso a La Tonada,' Mercedes Sosa takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to her roots, using the traditional Argentine folk music style known as 'tonada.' The song is a heartfelt homage to her heritage, family, and the landscapes that shaped her. Sosa's lyrics are rich with imagery and emotion, painting a vivid picture of her connection to her past and the natural world around her.

The song opens with Sosa expressing her return to singing 'tonadas,' a genre deeply embedded in her bloodline, as it was in her father's. This connection to her ancestry is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of family and tradition. She contrasts the vitality of life with the pain of forgetting and distance, suggesting that singing these traditional songs brings her closer to her roots, even when far away.

Sosa's lyrics also evoke a sense of timelessness and magic, as she describes becoming a child again, surrounded by nature and the familiar sounds of her homeland. The imagery of doves circling willows and the dusty dance of the 'cueca' (a traditional Argentine dance) transports listeners to a place of innocence and wonder. Her return to Mendoza, a region in Argentina, through her song, signifies a deep emotional and spiritual reconnection.

The song further explores the symbiotic relationship between Sosa and her environment. She likens herself to the landscape, with the green of the climate on the outside and the sun of her blood on the inside. This metaphor highlights her intrinsic bond with the land. The autumn wind, a companion to the walnut trees, brings back the sweet voice of her mother, reinforcing the theme of familial ties. By singing 'tonadas,' Sosa feels a kinship with the air itself, illustrating the profound connection between her music, her heritage, and the natural world.