Del Tiempo I'ñaupa

Roxana Carabajal's song "Del Tiempo I'ñaupa" is a poignant tribute to the past, encapsulated in the form of a traditional Argentine chacarera. The lyrics evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and sorrow, as they tell the story of a cry that emerged from the wilderness, transforming into a song filled with sadness and pain. This cry, personified as a chacarera, symbolizes the anguish of an old forest that has reached its end, a place once inhabited by the indigenous Quitilipis, who played their flautin (a type of flute) amidst the trees.

The song's imagery is rich with metaphors, comparing the chacarera to an unknown bird wandering in solitude, searching for a place to nest. This bird finds a home in the artist's guitar, signifying a deep connection between the musician and the music. The guitar becomes a sanctuary for the chacarera, and the bond between them is so strong that neither wants to part from the other. This metaphor highlights the enduring nature of traditional music and its ability to find new life and meaning through contemporary artists.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of loss, with references to the drying up of the quebrachales (a type of tree) and the weeping of the brea (a resinous substance) for the sun's blood. These images paint a picture of a once-vibrant landscape now in decline, mirroring the fading memories of the past. The wind, which once cradled the chacarera in the branches, now whistles sadly because the forest is no longer there. This sense of loss is palpable, yet the song also conveys a sense of resilience, as the chacarera finds a new home in the artist's guitar, ensuring that the spirit of the past lives on through music.