Zamba de Usted

The song 'Zamba de Usted' by Raly Barrionuevo is a poignant expression of longing and nostalgia, wrapped in the traditional sounds of Argentine folk music. The lyrics convey a deep sense of yearning for a loved one, as the narrator sends a zamba—a traditional Argentine dance and music genre—on a journey through the night to reach the person it's dedicated to. The use of 'luceros' (bright stars) and the night as a backdrop for the zamba's journey adds a romantic and somewhat mystical quality to the song, suggesting that the feelings involved are as vast and deep as the night sky itself.

The mention of the 'niña de los ojos color de olivo' (girl with olive-colored eyes) personalizes the song, giving us a glimpse of the beloved's physical traits and making the longing more tangible. The olive color also suggests a Mediterranean or Latin American heritage, which ties in with the cultural roots of the zamba. The narrator's desire to hear the 'tonadita' (little tune) of the beloved's voice again emphasizes the sensory memories associated with love and the pain of separation.

The song's chorus, where the narrator tells the beloved that the zamba is made with 'nostalgias de piel y de vos' (nostalgias of skin and of you), highlights the physical and emotional intimacy that once existed. The request for the beloved to remember the narrator 'tan lejos que estoy' (so far away I am) is a plea to not be forgotten despite the distance. The song ends with a promise of return, as the narrator vows to come back to the beloved's 'pueblo' (village) at sunset, carrying only his humble song, which is a testament to the enduring hope and the power of music to bridge distances.