Grito Santiagueño (feat. Suna Rocha y Mercedes Sosa)

Raúl Carnota's 'Grito Santiagueño,' featuring Suna Rocha and Mercedes Sosa, is a heartfelt homage to the culture and spirit of Santiago del Estero, a province in Argentina. The song's lyrics are steeped in the traditions and emotions of the region, painting a vivid picture of the singer's connection to his homeland. The opening lines, 'En los ranchos nací / Me llaman: El bandeño,' immediately ground the listener in the rural, earthy origins of the narrator, who identifies himself as a native of Santiago del Estero. The mention of 'mistol,' a type of tree native to the region, symbolizes the deep-rooted connection to the land and its natural elements.

The song's chorus, 'Cuando canto, siento / Que es el duende quechua / Que tira de mis venas / Me hace gritar,' speaks to the mystical and almost spiritual experience of singing. The 'duende quechua' refers to a mythical spirit from Quechua culture, suggesting that the act of singing is not just a personal expression but a channeling of ancestral and cultural forces. This connection to the past and to the land is further emphasized by the imagery of the 'caja,' a traditional drum, which is described as being 'enamorada / Del grito santiagueño.' The drum, a symbol of musical tradition, is personified as being in love with the 'Santiagueño cry,' highlighting the deep emotional and cultural resonance of the music.

The song also touches on themes of mortality and legacy. The lines 'Cuando muera, tal vez / Mezclada con la tierra / Florezca en vaina de algarroba / En alguna primavera' suggest a cyclical view of life and death, where the narrator hopes to become one with the land and continue to contribute to its beauty even after death. This imagery of rebirth and continuity underscores the enduring connection between the people of Santiago del Estero and their environment. Through its rich, evocative lyrics and the powerful voices of its performers, 'Grito Santiagueño' serves as a poignant celebration of cultural identity, heritage, and the timeless bond between humans and their homeland.