Retemperado a Gaitaço

“Retemperado a Gaitaço” by Os Mateadores is a vibrant homage to the rich cultural traditions of the gauchos, the cowboys of Southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. The song is steeped in the imagery and lifestyle of these rural communities, celebrating their customs, values, and the romanticized notion of the gaucho life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a typical gaucho gathering, complete with traditional foods, music, and dance.

The song opens with a reference to preparing a 'xixo de fundão,' a traditional barbecue, where the meat is tenderized with corn cobs. This sets the stage for a communal celebration, highlighting the importance of food and shared experiences in gaucho culture. The mention of 'brilhantina' (hair pomade) and 'topetando as melenas' (styling the hair) reflects the pride gauchos take in their appearance, especially during social events like 'domingueiras' (Sunday gatherings).

Romance is a central theme in the song, with the narrator expressing his affection for a 'china' (a term for a woman in gaucho slang). The repeated lines about bringing the 'china' close to his chest and the 'velho trejeito retemperado à gaitaço' (old mannerisms refreshed by the accordion) suggest a deep connection between love and music in gaucho life. The accordion, or 'gaita,' is a staple in gaucho music, symbolizing the heart and soul of their cultural expression.

The song also touches on the resilience and adventurous spirit of the gauchos. The imagery of 'bate casco de arrebenta ferradura' (hoof beats that break horseshoes) and 'afrouxo a moldura trepidando num trancaço' (loosening the frame trembling in a jolt) conveys a sense of ruggedness and determination. The narrator's trusty 'pala' (a type of poncho) and his ability to find a 'fandango' (a traditional dance) even at the ends of the earth underscore the enduring and adaptable nature of gaucho traditions.