Pasacalles
Murga Bambones
The Heartbeat of Carnival: A Murga's Dream
The song 'Pasacalles' by Murga Bambones is a heartfelt ode to the passion and lifelong dedication to the art of murga, a form of musical theatre traditionally performed during the Carnival in Uruguay, Argentina, and other parts of Latin America. The lyrics narrate the story of someone who, from a young age, was drawn to the world of performance, with a clown painted on their face symbolizing the joy and laughter they wanted to bring to others. The corridors of their home became a stage for their dreams, and the simple act of creating lyrics was enough to bring happiness.
As the protagonist grows, they seek out a murga group that captures their heart, following the sounds of drums and cymbals that lead them to their destiny. The song speaks to the dedication of studying murga scripts, with the dream of one day being able to perform them. The chorus reflects the fulfillment of this dream, expressing contentment in being part of a murga and in the act of singing. The term 'bambon' refers to a member of the Murga Bambones, and the song celebrates the identity and pride of being part of this group.
Despite the passage of time and the hard knocks of life that have led to the fading of many dreams, the song's protagonist still finds joy and excitement in the Carnival and their murga. The repetition of the phrase 'Mi vida ser un bambon' (My life is to be a bambon) emphasizes the deep connection and commitment to the murga, which remains a source of illusion and happiness. 'Pasacalles' is not just a song, but a declaration of love for the tradition of murga and the sense of belonging it provides.