La Rafa Touriño

Raly Barrionuevo's song 'La Rafa Touriño' is a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Touriño, a man who seems to embody both artistic talent and a deep connection to his cultural roots. The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors, painting a vivid picture of Touriño's life and work. Barrionuevo starts by expressing his struggle to find the right words to honor this 'hombrecito,' or little man, indicating a sense of humility and respect. He then begins his tribute slowly, suggesting a careful and thoughtful approach to capturing Touriño's essence.

The song describes Touriño as a man whose prayers and drawings are like a river carrying foam, a metaphor that suggests fluidity, movement, and a natural, almost spiritual quality to his art. His smile is compared to a black grape turning into wine, symbolizing transformation and the passage of time. Touriño's art is portrayed as a way of painting memories on the walls of oblivion, indicating that his work preserves and honors the past.

Barrionuevo also highlights Touriño's connection to his community, particularly the 'changuitos morenos,' or dark-skinned children, in the neighborhoods of Santiago del Estero. Touriño's silence is described as knowing, suggesting a deep understanding and empathy. He is likened to fresh rain that washes away sorrows, and a solitary double, a term that could imply a duality in his nature or a sense of loneliness. The song ends with Barrionuevo leaving his verses for Touriño, calling him a mischievous child, and returning to Frías, a town in Argentina, as the milk train departs. This ending adds a personal touch, grounding the tribute in a specific cultural and geographical context.