El que toca nunca baila

The song 'El que toca nunca baila' by SOLEDAD is a poignant reflection on the role of musicians, particularly those who play the accordion, in traditional folk celebrations. The title itself, which translates to 'The one who plays never dances,' sets the tone for a narrative that explores the dichotomy between the performer and the audience, the creator and the consumer.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a musician under the open sky, with an accordion that seems to come alive, yearning to dance. The mention of 'Don Cayetano Salusi' dancing in the midst of a dust storm during a downpour adds a layer of intensity and passion to the scene. This imagery suggests a celebration of life and music, even in the face of challenging conditions. The song also references 'Payo Solá,' likely a figure known to the artist or a representation of musicians in general, who imparts the wisdom that those who provide the music often do not partake in the dance themselves. This could be a metaphor for the sacrifices artists make, dedicating themselves to their craft at the expense of personal enjoyment.

The accordion's journey to the carnival and its reluctance to play another 'cueca'—a traditional dance—hints at the exhaustion and perhaps the desire for recognition beyond mere performance. The final verse about 'opa Batata' dreaming of dancing the zamba, only to realize upon waking that he is just a drum, encapsulates the theme of unfulfilled desires and the often overlooked inner lives of performers. 'El que toca nunca baila' is a tribute to the unseen and uncelebrated aspects of artistic expression.