Puente Viejo (Triunfo)

Ruben Alberto Benegas' song "Puente Viejo (Triunfo)" is a heartfelt tribute to the cultural and historical significance of the Puente Viejo in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the bridge and its surroundings, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past. The repeated phrase "Que digo, del Puente Viejo" emphasizes the importance of this landmark, not just as a physical structure but as a repository of memories and stories.

The song delves into the silence that envelops the Puente Viejo, a silence that holds the echoes of the past, particularly the voices of the reseros, or cattle herders. These figures are immortalized in the song, their presence felt in the very essence of the river and the land. The mention of Don Segundo, a legendary figure in Argentine folklore, further enriches the narrative, connecting the present to a storied past filled with dreams and aspirations.

Benegas also touches on the theme of time and memory, reflecting on how the years have transformed the Puente Viejo into a symbol of triumph and resilience. The song's imagery of gathering at La Blanqueada, a local tavern, and reminiscing over a "caña quemada" (a traditional Argentine drink) adds a layer of communal bonding and shared history. The final homage to an old tree, a silent witness to the passage of time, encapsulates the song's essence: a deep, abiding respect for heritage and the enduring spirit of the Puente Viejo.