El Chimbilaco (Esta Grave La Abuela)

Zully Murillo's song 'El Chimbilaco (Esta Grave La Abuela)' is a vivid narrative that intertwines elements of folklore, nature, and the urgency of a family crisis. The song begins with the alarming news that the grandmother is gravely ill, prompting the family to accompany her. This sets the stage for a journey through a dark, foreboding forest, filled with various natural and supernatural elements.

The lyrics are rich with imagery and symbolism. The 'guaco' bird's song serves as an ominous warning of the grandmother's impending death. The journey through the dark forest, where 'espantos' (ghosts) and 'culebras' (snakes) lurk, represents the fears and uncertainties that come with facing mortality. The 'chimbilaco,' a bird that flies ahead, symbolizes both a guide and a harbinger, leading the way through the darkness but also reminding the travelers of the looming presence of death.

As the family navigates the forest, they encounter various creatures and phenomena, such as a butterfly attracted to their light, which momentarily startles them. This could symbolize fleeting moments of beauty and distraction amidst the grim reality they face. The repeated refrain about the 'chimbilaco' not being Satan and the speaker's determination to 'torear' (bullfight) it, suggests a confrontation with fear and the unknown. The song ends with a sense of urgency and hope, as they believe they might reach the grandmother in time to see her alive.

Murillo's use of traditional elements and natural imagery creates a powerful narrative that resonates with themes of family, mortality, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of fear and uncertainty. The song is a poignant reminder of the cultural and emotional landscapes that shape our experiences and responses to life's most challenging moments.