Soy de La Puna

The song 'Soy de La Puna' by Tomas Lipan is a heartfelt tribute to the Puna, a high-altitude plateau in the Andes, and the rich cultural tapestry of its people. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's origins, evoking the landscape, traditions, and emotions tied to this region. Tomas Lipan, an Argentine folk singer, is known for his music that often reflects the heritage and life of the indigenous communities in the Andes.

The opening lines, 'De arriba vengo, soy de la puna,' immediately establish a connection to the highlands, with 'arriba' meaning 'up' or 'above,' signifying the elevated region of the Puna. The 'carita 'i luna' and 'flor de amancay' are poetic references to the natural beauty of the place and its flora. The mention of 'alforjas' (saddlebags) filled with 'esperanzas' (hopes), 'sueños' (dreams), and 'penas' (sorrows) symbolizes the emotional baggage that one carries through life's journey.

The song continues to weave cultural elements such as the 'poncho and vicuña,' traditional Andean clothing and wildlife, and 'coplas del carnaval,' which are folkloric verses sung during carnival celebrations. The 'quenita,' a small Andean flute, metaphorically carries the winter, perhaps alluding to the cold, harsh conditions of the Puna, while 'acullico,' the act of chewing coca leaves, is associated with solitude, a common practice among the locals for sustenance and comfort. The final verses introduce an 'imilla chusca,' a term for a young indigenous girl, and the 'flor del huancar,' another regional plant, further grounding the song in its Andean roots. The 'cueca' and 'huaynito,' both traditional dance rhythms, represent the music and joy from the singer's homeland.