El Tractor Amarillo
Roberto Torres
The Yellow Tractor: A Symbol of Rural Pride and Modernity
Roberto Torres' song "El Tractor Amarillo" is a playful and humorous take on rural life and the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations. The lyrics tell the story of a man who, despite his humble background and simple lifestyle, tries to impress a sophisticated woman with his yellow tractor. The tractor, a symbol of his rural identity, becomes a humorous counterpoint to the flashy cars and luxurious lifestyles that the woman seems to prefer.
The song opens with the protagonist visiting the woman in his small car, only to be met with disdain. He then decides to bring his yellow tractor the next time, believing it to be the latest trend and a way to impress her. The repeated chorus, "Tengo un tractor amarillo, que es lo que se lleva ahora," emphasizes the protagonist's pride in his tractor and his belief that it represents modernity and fashion in his rural context.
The lyrics also touch on themes of social class and expectations. The woman is described as someone who prefers a man with a career, a foreign car, and a suburban home. In contrast, the protagonist embraces his rural roots and finds pride in his tractor, which he humorously describes as a convertible with air conditioning. This juxtaposition highlights the differences between urban and rural values, and the protagonist's determination to find pride and joy in his own way of life.
Overall, "El Tractor Amarillo" is a lighthearted and catchy song that celebrates rural life and pokes fun at societal expectations. It underscores the idea that happiness and pride can be found in the simplest of things, even a yellow tractor.