Grito Santiagueño (part. Suna Rocha y Raúl Carnota)

Mercedes Sosa's 'Grito Santiagueño' is a profound expression of cultural identity and connection to the land. The song, featuring Suna Rocha and Raúl Carnota, is a tribute to the Santiago del Estero province in Argentina, known for its rich folklore and traditional music. The lyrics evoke the essence of the region and the deep roots of its people.

The song begins with the singer's birth in the ranchos, indicating a humble origin and a life intertwined with nature. The mention of the 'mistol,' a native tree, symbolizes the natural environment that cradles the singer's dreams. The 'caja,' a traditional drum, accompanies the singer's voice, which follows the moon in search of the morning. This imagery suggests a spiritual journey and a connection to the cyclical nature of life. The 'duende quechua,' a spirit or force, is said to pull at the singer's veins, infusing the music with ancestral energy and passion.

The final verses contemplate death and rebirth, with the singer's essence potentially flowering in the 'vaina de algarroba,' or carob pod, symbolizing the cycle of life and the enduring spirit of the land. The 'grito santiagueño,' or Santiago's shout, is a metaphor for the powerful expression of the singer's soul, rooted in the traditions and sorrows of the Santiago del Estero people. Mercedes Sosa, known for her deep voice and commitment to social causes, delivers a performance that is both a personal reflection and a universal homage to cultural heritage.