Baserriko Laguna
Zartako-K
The Simple Life: A Tribute to Rural Independence
“Baserriko Laguna” by Zartako-K is a heartfelt ode to a friend who lives a simple, self-sufficient life in the countryside. The song paints a vivid picture of a person who shuns modern conveniences and embraces a lifestyle deeply connected to nature and tradition. This friend does everything on their own, from growing their food to heating their home with a chimney fire. They reject the use of technology, such as telephones, and prefer face-to-face interactions, receiving calls at their doorstep. The lyrics emphasize the purity and authenticity of knowing exactly where their food comes from, never stepping foot in a supermarket.
The song contrasts this rural lifestyle with the hustle and bustle of city life. The friend is depicted as someone who doesn’t need a boss or a bank account, living debt-free and without the trappings of modern financial systems. Despite not speaking English, they have an intimate knowledge of the mountains and their surroundings. This independence and self-reliance are celebrated as virtues, highlighting a life free from the pressures and artificiality of urban living.
When city dwellers question how the friend manages to live on the farm, the response is one of contentment and fulfillment. The friend expresses a preference for living in reality, in direct contact with nature, as opposed to the virtual, intangible life led by those in the city. The song concludes with a powerful image: when the city lights eventually go out, the light from the friend’s home will still shine, symbolizing the enduring and resilient nature of a life lived in harmony with the natural world.
