El camba

The song 'El camba' is a folkloric piece that reflects the cultural and social nuances of the Santa Cruz region in Bolivia. The lyrics, attributed to Gilberto Rojas Taquirari but popularized by Alfredo Zitarrosa, tell the story of a 'camba,' a term used to refer to people from the Santa Cruz region, who is preparing to leave his work at the ranch to sell goods in the city of Santa Cruz. The song is rich with regional vocabulary, describing the local flora and fauna, as well as traditional items and practices.

The narrative of the song revolves around the camba's desire to settle his accounts with the patron (boss) and leave the rural work life for the town ('pobla'o'). The camba's plan to use alcohol to soften the patron's heart suggests a strategy to negotiate or plead for a fair settlement. However, the patron's angry response, threatening to punish the camba with 'arrobitas' (a measure of corporal punishment), highlights the power dynamics and the harsh realities of laborers in the region.

Despite the tension in the lyrics, the song also expresses a deep love for Santa Cruz, with the camba longing to enjoy the sandy landscapes and participate in the carnival festivities. The repeated exclamation '¡Viva Santa Cruz!' and the references to the city as the 'Reina Oriental' (Eastern Queen) evoke a sense of pride and affection for the camba's homeland. The song, therefore, serves as both a social commentary and a celebration of regional identity.