Canciones Campesinas

Song Cycle

My cycle Canciones Campesinas serves as an hommage to my homeland Colombia. It was sad to discover the appreciation I had for my country until I moved to the USA, I guess the old saying: “We don't appreciate what we have until it's gone” is somewhat right. Nonetheless, I believe there is value in that, in learning to appreciate. The first song Don Julio explores issues of abandonment and lack of possibilities suffered by unfavored communities. Don Julio represents the many people in my country that find themselves having to take care of someone while also having to find their own sustenance, often not being able to provide for either. In the same vein, II. ¿Qué voy a hacer? explores the overwhelming feeling of helplessness suffered by parents who cannot provide for their starving children while facing the question of having to abandon them:

“If only I could howl my sorrows to the wind and ask God to embrace you and keep you warm.” 

Finally, III. Cumbia al Hombro explores a more patriotic feeling by employing the word “Cumbia” (Colombia’s national rhythm) as a paradox for an entire culture that is carried on one’s back, or more literally, on one’s shoulders, as farmers often do. This song is written on a verse-chorus structure. The chorus contains an analogy to the feeling of having to leave one’s own land: “I carry Cumbia on my shoulders” which is then contrasted with the lack of something: “without a gaita in my backpack” followed by, “But the rhythm well in time beats strongly in my chest.” 

I believe we all carry our culture, our family, our roots on our backs, in one way or another, this makes us who we are. And I am really proud to carry Cumbia on mine.