La Tapera (Milonga)
Ruben Alberto Benegas
Nostalgia and Memories in 'La Tapera (Milonga)'
In 'La Tapera (Milonga),' Ruben Alberto Benegas paints a vivid picture of a dilapidated rural home, referred to as a 'tapera.' The song opens with a description of the remnants of this once-inhabited place: a small pile of straw, crumbling mud walls, and an old well. These images evoke a sense of abandonment and decay, setting the stage for the emotional journey that follows.
Despite the seemingly insignificant nature of the tapera, the narrator reveals a deep emotional connection to it. The lyrics express a resigned acceptance of its current state, acknowledging that there are many forgotten places like it. However, the tapera holds a special place in the narrator's heart, as it is tied to cherished memories of childhood, family, and first love. The contrast between the physical decay of the tapera and the vibrant, living memories it holds highlights the theme of nostalgia and the passage of time.
The song's emotional core lies in the narrator's reflection on the past. The tapera is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the narrator's roots and personal history. The mention of 'mis pobres viejos' (my poor old folks) and 'donde amé por vez primera' (where I loved for the first time) adds layers of sentimentality and longing. The tapera encapsulates the essence of the narrator's formative years, making it impossible to forget despite its current state of disrepair. Through this poignant portrayal, Benegas captures the universal human experience of holding onto memories and the places that shaped us, even as they fade away.