China Hereje

The song 'China Hereje' by Oscar Agudelo, a Colombian singer known for his contributions to the genre of música guasca or carrilera, which is traditional folk music from the Andean region of Colombia, tells a tale of heartbreak and sorrow. The term 'china' in this context is a colloquial term for a young woman, and 'hereje' translates to 'heretic,' suggesting that the woman has committed some form of betrayal or has deviated from expected norms.

The lyrics express the deep pain of a man who has been left by his lover. He refers to her as 'china hereje,' indicating his sense of betrayal. The man is a musician, a 'buen cantor' and 'guitarrero,' who drowns his sorrows in alcohol, 'chupo caña.' He speaks of his suffering and loneliness, emphasizing that his former lover is unaware of the extent of his grief. The imagery of his 'rancho,' once a nest and now a ruin, and his dog crying 'lo mismo que un cristiano' (like a Christian) for her absence, highlights the depth of his desolation.

The song's narrator resolves to keep his pain hidden from his former lover, preferring that she believes he is unaffected by her departure. He mentions the 'calandria,' a bird known for its beautiful song, which now sings no more, symbolizing the silence and sadness that has replaced the joy in his life. The repeated request for alcohol, 'deme caña,' underscores his attempt to escape his emotional torment. The song is a poignant portrayal of unrequited love and the attempt to maintain dignity in the face of abandonment.