Guanuqueando

Ricardo Vilca's 'Guanuqueando' is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the Andean culture and its deep-rooted traditions. The song opens with vivid imagery of 'venteros de labios quebrados' (vendors with cracked lips) and the sounds of 'zampoñas y quenas' (panpipes and flutes), instruments that are emblematic of the Andean musical heritage. These elements evoke a sense of timelessness and connection to the past, as the 'antiguo respiro en la boca' (ancient breath in the mouth) symbolizes the enduring spirit of the indigenous people.

The lyrics delve into themes of silence and mystery, with lines like 'perdida en la noche el silencio' (lost in the night, the silence) and 'misterios que el tiempo descifra' (mysteries that time deciphers). These phrases suggest a deep contemplation of the passage of time and the secrets it holds. The song's refrain, 'siento quenas que en el viento huyen' (I feel flutes fleeing in the wind), captures the ephemeral nature of life and love, as well as the enduring presence of cultural memory.

Vilca's use of natural imagery, such as 'airampos de Luna' (moonlit airampos) and 'un cóndor va' (a condor goes), further enriches the song's connection to the Andean landscape. The condor, a sacred bird in Andean mythology, symbolizes freedom and transcendence. The line 'como mi ser resucitará buscando la luz' (like my being will resurrect seeking the light) speaks to a spiritual rebirth and the quest for enlightenment. Through 'Guanuqueando,' Vilca invites listeners to reflect on their own roots and the timeless beauty of their cultural heritage.