Los Draculatecas

Tabaré Cardozo's song 'Los Draculatecas' is a vibrant and nostalgic ode to the past, filled with colorful characters and vivid memories. The lyrics paint a picture of a close-knit community, where each individual, from 'Pepe' to 'El Cuba surfista,' plays a unique role in the tapestry of the singer's life. The song is steeped in nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about the days when the 'murga' (a traditional Uruguayan musical theater group) was still together, and the camaraderie and joy that came with it.

The song's title, 'Los Draculatecas,' suggests a playful and perhaps slightly rebellious group, much like the characters described in the lyrics. The use of everyday objects like 'baldes torcidos' (twisted buckets) and 'latas pintadas' (painted cans) to create music highlights the resourcefulness and creativity of the community. The recurring 'Lailai-lailai-lai' refrain adds a sense of unity and continuity, as if these memories and people are always singing together in the singer's mind.

Cultural references abound, from the mention of 'murga' to the various nicknames and local landmarks. These elements ground the song in a specific time and place, making it a love letter to a bygone era. The lyrics also touch on the passage of time and the inevitability of change, as seen in lines like 'No se puede hacer girar pa' atrás la espada veloz del infinito' (You can't turn back the swift sword of infinity). Despite this, the song maintains a hopeful tone, celebrating the enduring spirit of the community and the memories that keep it alive.

The song's final verses, which list a series of names and send greetings to various individuals, reinforce the sense of community and belonging. It's as if the singer is ensuring that no one is forgotten, that each person who was part of this shared history is acknowledged and remembered. 'Los Draculatecas' is a heartfelt tribute to the people and moments that shape our lives, capturing the essence of nostalgia, community, and the passage of time.