Agüita Demorada
Mercedes Sosa
A Plea for Rain: The Heartfelt Yearning in 'Agüita Demorada'
In 'Agüita Demorada,' Mercedes Sosa captures the profound longing and desperation of a community waiting for rain. The song is a heartfelt plea to the rain, personified as a stubborn and elusive entity. The opening lines, 'Veníte como quieras agüita terca,' set the tone for the song, expressing a willingness to accept the rain in any form, as long as it comes. The imagery of a dry land and a waiting guitar underscores the dire need for water to rejuvenate both the earth and the spirit of the people.
The lyrics are rich with cultural references and metaphors. The mention of 'coyuyos' (cicadas) and 'alojas frescas' (fresh drinks) evokes the sensory experiences of rural life, while the hope for a bountiful harvest symbolizes the broader aspirations of the community. The line 'Si vos querés que sea nube muy negra' suggests a readiness to endure even the darkest clouds if it means the arrival of rain, highlighting the resilience and determination of the people.
Mercedes Sosa's powerful voice and emotive delivery add depth to the song's themes of hope and perseverance. The imagery of children playing in the mud and the anticipation of a beloved, albeit disheveled, woman arriving at dawn, further humanize the narrative. The final plea, 'No sea que la seca borre mi nombre,' poignantly captures the existential fear of being erased by drought, making 'Agüita Demorada' a moving tribute to the enduring spirit of those who live in harmony with the land, yet are at the mercy of nature's whims.