Puente Alsina

Rosita Quiroga's song 'Puente Alsina' is a poignant reflection on the transformation and loss of a beloved neighborhood. The lyrics are steeped in nostalgia, as the narrator laments the changes brought by urban development. The 'Puente Alsina' (Alsina Bridge) serves as a powerful symbol of the old neighborhood, representing both a physical and emotional connection to the past. The bridge, once a place of comfort and familiarity, has been overtaken by the relentless march of progress, symbolized by the 'avenida' (avenue) that has encroached upon it.

The song delves into themes of identity and belonging, as the narrator grapples with the erasure of their childhood environment. The lines '¿Dónde está mi barrio? Mi cuna maleva' (Where is my neighborhood? My rough cradle) and 'Mi barrio es mi madre que ya no responde' (My neighborhood is my mother who no longer responds) highlight the deep personal connection to the place, likening it to a nurturing yet now unresponsive mother. This metaphor underscores the sense of abandonment and loss felt by the narrator, who mourns the disappearance of the familiar streets and the community that once thrived there.

Quiroga's lyrics also touch on social and cultural changes, as the 'criollaje' (local people) who once defended the bridge have now been silenced and displaced. The song captures the tension between tradition and modernity, with the 'suburbio rebelado' (rebellious suburb) ultimately succumbing to the forces of urbanization. The narrator's sense of displacement is further emphasized by their personal history, marked by a lack of maternal affection and a harsh upbringing, which adds a layer of personal struggle to the broader narrative of communal loss.