Viejo Cencerro (Milonga)

Ruben Alberto Benegas' song 'Viejo Cencerro (Milonga)' is a heartfelt tribute to the traditional Argentine cowbell, or 'cencerro,' which holds a significant place in the rural life and culture of Argentina. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the cencerro as an old, loyal companion ('viejo aparcero') of the Argentine fields, symbolizing the connection between the land, its people, and their traditions. The cencerro is personified as a 'peón sin sueldo' (unpaid laborer) and a 'tropillero' (herder), emphasizing its indispensable role in the daily life of the gauchos, the skilled horsemen of the Pampas.

The song nostalgically recalls the days when the sound of the cencerro would gather the horses and guide them with discipline, following the lead mare ('yegua madrina'). This imagery evokes a sense of order and harmony in the natural world, orchestrated by the clear, resonant call of the cencerro. The lyrics also highlight the cultural significance of the cencerro's sound, which once inspired the creation of the 'vidalita,' a traditional Argentine folk song. The cencerro's voice is described as 'criolla y cristalina' (Creole and crystalline), a pure and authentic representation of the Argentine Pampas.

In the latter part of the song, the cencerro is depicted as a 'clarín sureño' (southern bugle) and a 'viejo poeta de bronce' (old bronze poet), suggesting its role as a storyteller and keeper of traditions. The singer asks the cencerro to bring back memories of the past, filled with the essence of the Pampas, the taste of grass, and the warmth of the campfire. Even in its retirement, the cencerro remains a vigilant guardian of the cultural heritage, ready to respond to any call and revive the spirit of the gauchos. The song beautifully captures the enduring legacy of the cencerro, resonating with the pride and nostalgia of the Argentine rural life.