Canción de Cuna

Susana Harp's 'Canción de Cuna' is a tender lullaby that weaves together themes of protection, dreams, and the harsh realities of the world. The song opens with vivid imagery of labor and nature, suggesting a life filled with both hard work and the beauty of the natural world. The lines 'Fundirás el hierro / Moldearás el pan' (You will melt the iron / You will mold the bread) evoke a sense of future responsibilities and the shaping of one's destiny. The mention of the 'olor del cerro' (smell of the hill) adds a layer of connection to the earth and one's roots, grounding the child in a sense of place and identity.

The recurring questions about the child's future—'¿Cuál será tu sueño? / ¿Qué puertos tocarás?' (What will be your dream? / What ports will you touch?)—reflect a parent's wonder and hope for their child's journey through life. These questions are not just about physical destinations but also about emotional and spiritual ones. The song contemplates the child's future relationships and beliefs, pondering who will share in their joys and sorrows. This introspection is a common theme in lullabies, where the act of putting a child to sleep is also a moment of reflection on their potential and the world they will grow up in.

The chorus, 'Duérmete niño / No llores más' (Sleep, child / Cry no more), is a soothing refrain that reassures the child of their mother's protection. The imagery of 'Los caracoles / Y el mar te arrullarán' (The snails / And the sea will lull you) adds a poetic touch, invoking the gentle, rhythmic sounds of nature as a comforting presence. This natural lullaby contrasts with the 'mundo brutal' (brutal world) mentioned earlier, highlighting the duality of life's beauty and its challenges. Through this song, Susana Harp offers a heartfelt message of love, hope, and resilience, encapsulating the universal desire to shield our loved ones from harm while nurturing their dreams.