Campesina

Pablo Milanés' song 'Campesina' paints a vivid and melancholic portrait of a rural woman's life, capturing the essence of her existence through poetic imagery and reflective storytelling. The song begins by setting the scene of her birth in a simple, natural environment where an 'árbol' (tree) and a 'nube' (cloud) symbolize the constants in her life. These elements represent the enduring yet solitary aspects of her surroundings, hinting at a life marked by both beauty and isolation.

As the song progresses, Milanés delves into the woman's childhood and adolescence, highlighting her yearning to transcend her immediate environment. Her 'juguete' (toy) becomes a metaphor for her dreams and aspirations, which are constrained by her rural setting. The line 'tu adolescencia nunca fue' (your adolescence never was) suggests a lost or unfulfilled youth, emphasizing the sacrifices and limitations imposed by her circumstances.

The chorus reflects on the concept of happiness in her life, which is measured by simple, everyday experiences like seeing her tree in bloom and walking under her cloud. This 'felicidad' (happiness) is deeply tied to her connection with nature and her routine, yet it is also a constrained form of contentment. The song takes a somber turn as it addresses the woman's heart awakening to love and the limited choices she had, leading to 'cinco mentiras' (five lies) that she brought into the world. This could symbolize the unfulfilled promises or dreams she had for her children or herself.

In the end, the song reflects on her death, with people commenting on her 'gran felicidad' (great happiness). This final reflection is tinged with irony, as it underscores the simplicity and perhaps the resignation in her life. The recurring imagery of the tree and cloud serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring connection to her environment, even in death.