La Ariscona

Raúl Quiroga's 'La Ariscona' is a vivid portrayal of the natural and cultural landscape of rural Argentina. The song is a milonga, a traditional Argentine musical form that often tells stories of the countryside and its people. Quiroga's lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that evoke the rugged beauty and solitude of the sierras and yerbales (herb fields).

The song opens by attributing its origins to the natural elements: the grotas (caves), sharpening stones, the whisper of the romerillo (a type of plant), and the wind in the carobal (a type of forest). These elements collectively paint a picture of a wild, untamed land. The 'mirada ariscona' (wary gaze) of the 'animal montaraz' (wild animal) further emphasizes the untamed and cautious nature of the wilderness.

As the song progresses, it describes the life and sounds of the countryside. The imagery of a rider whistling on a rosillo (a type of horse) and the mention of the 'indio baladán' (a native balladeer) add a human element to the landscape. The references to specific locations like 'Campos de la salamanca' and 'Camino del batoví' ground the song in a real, albeit remote, setting. The solitude of the land is palpable, especially in lines like 'Ahí sí la tierra está sola' (There, the land is truly alone).

The song also touches on the passage of time and the natural rhythm of life in the countryside. The lizards pondering 'sobre el tiempo y el silencio' (about time and silence) and the hare listening with open eyes from the chilcal (a type of shrubland) suggest a deep connection between the land and its inhabitants. The final verses reveal a personal story, where the narrator takes 'La Ariscona' with him and never returns her, symbolizing a deep, perhaps romantic, bond with the land and its spirit.

'La Ariscona' is a celebration of the Argentine countryside, its natural beauty, and the simple yet profound life of its people. It captures the essence of a land that is both harsh and beautiful, solitary yet full of life.