Huella de Cuatro Rumbos (Huella)

Ruben Alberto Benegas' song 'Huella de Cuatro Rumbos (Huella)' is a poignant exploration of legacy, dreams, and the passage of time through generations. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's family history, starting with his grandfather, a sergeant who fought in the desert campaigns. The imagery of his grandfather's final moments, marked by a 'chuza pampa' (a type of spear) that 'floreó el pecho' (bloomed in his chest), is both tragic and heroic, symbolizing the sacrifices made by those who came before.

The song then shifts to the artist's father, who at fifteen became a 'carrero' (cart driver), following the same paths his grandfather had opened. The father's life is depicted with rustic and pastoral elements, such as his 'clarín' (bugle) being a whistle and his 'lanza' (spear) a cattle prod. These metaphors highlight the continuity of hard work and resilience passed down through the family, with the sky itself serving as his father's 'poncho' (cloak), suggesting a deep connection to the land and nature.

Benegas then reflects on his own aspirations, diverging from the physical labor of his ancestors to pursue a life as a 'guitarrero' (guitar player) and 'cantor de amanecidas' (singer of dawns). His dream of wandering the night, 'desangrándome en coplas' (bleeding out in verses), signifies a passion for music and storytelling. Finally, the song touches on the next generation, with Benegas' young son making 'huellas de lápiz' (pencil marks) in his notebook, guided by his teacher. This symbolizes the hope for a future where education and literacy pave the way, showing pride in his son's desire to be 'leído' (learned).

The song beautifully intertwines themes of heritage, personal dreams, and the evolution of aspirations across generations, capturing the essence of familial bonds and the enduring human spirit.