Zitarrosa En El Cielo

“Zitarrosa En El Cielo” by El Cuarteto de Nos is a whimsical and imaginative tribute to the legendary Uruguayan singer-songwriter Alfredo Zitarrosa. The song narrates a fictional and humorous story where Zitarrosa, from his place in the afterlife, recounts an incident that supposedly happened in reverse. The lyrics playfully suggest that Zitarrosa had an encounter with a Brazilian prostitute, but in a twist, it was actually Princess Stephanie of Monaco who paid for his company. This reversal of roles adds a layer of irony and humor to the narrative.

The song delves into themes of guilt and redemption as Zitarrosa, feeling remorseful for his 'capitalist' behavior, confesses his actions to his communist friends. This confession is done through the medium he knows best—songwriting. The lyrics highlight the internal conflict Zitarrosa faces, torn between his ideological beliefs and his actions. This conflict is resolved through the creation of a song, symbolizing the cleansing of his conscience.

Despite the seemingly irreverent tone, the song is a respectful homage to Zitarrosa's legacy. It acknowledges his role as a 'cantor contestatario' (protest singer) and frames the entire narrative as a fictional tale, ensuring that it does not disturb Zitarrosa's memory. The playful nature of the song, combined with its deeper themes of guilt, redemption, and ideological conflict, makes it a multifaceted tribute to one of Uruguay's most beloved cultural figures.