Mi Dueña

The song 'Mi Dueña' by Raices de Jauja is a poignant expression of longing and heartache. The lyrics convey the deep sorrow of someone who has lost their beloved, referred to as 'mi dueña,' which translates to 'my owner' or 'my mistress,' indicating a deep sense of belonging and devotion. The narrator is engulfed in melancholy and feels the absence of their loved one to the extent that it feels like a part of their existence has been taken away.

The repeated plea for the beloved's hands and lips to comfort the narrator in their final moments underscores a yearning for warmth and connection that is no longer present. The imagery of cold and warmth, with the narrator's hands described as 'frías' (cold) and the beloved's lips as 'de fuego' (of fire), symbolizes the contrast between the loneliness of the narrator and the life-giving presence of the loved one. The song captures the essence of a love that continues to burn even as the narrator faces the prospect of death, suggesting that their love is as vital as life itself.

The final verses of the song evoke a vision of the beloved's eyes and tears, which adds to the emotional weight of the song. The narrator desires the beloved's gaze and tears even when they can no longer see, which speaks to the desire to be remembered and mourned. This hauntingly beautiful song by Raices de Jauja, a group known for their Andean folk music, resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation and the fear of being forgotten.