La Vuelta de Obligado

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song 'La Vuelta de Obligado' is a powerful tribute to the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado, a significant event in Argentine history. The lyrics vividly recount the confrontation between Argentine forces and the Anglo-French fleet in 1845. The song opens with a description of the approaching fleet: 'Noventa buques mercantes, Veinte de guerra,' highlighting the overwhelming force of the invaders. The phrase 'Vienen pechando arriba, Las aguas nuestras' emphasizes the foreign ships encroaching on Argentine waters, setting the stage for a dramatic defense.

The song's tone is defiant and patriotic, as seen in the lines 'Qué los parió a los gringos, Una gran siete,' expressing frustration and disdain towards the invaders. The use of colloquial language and exclamations like 'Ahijuna con los franceses' adds a raw, emotional layer to the narrative, reflecting the sentiments of the Argentine people at the time. The mention of 'Angostura del quebracho' refers to the strategic narrow point on the Paraná River where the battle took place, symbolizing a line that the invaders could not cross.

Zitarrosa also pays homage to key figures in the battle, such as Pascual Echagüe and Lucio Mansilla. The lyrics 'A ver, vos Pascual Echagüe, Gobernador es, Que no pasen los franceses, Paraná al norte' call upon the governor to defend the northern Paraná. The song concludes with 'Pascual Echagüe los mide, Mansilla los mata,' celebrating the leadership and bravery that led to the Argentine resistance. Through 'La Vuelta de Obligado,' Zitarrosa not only commemorates a historical event but also evokes a sense of national pride and resilience, making it a poignant piece of cultural heritage.