Cuatro Milpas

"Cuatro Milpas" by La Decima Banda is a poignant ballad that delves into themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The song paints a vivid picture of a once-thriving ranch, now reduced to just four fields, symbolizing the remnants of a cherished past. The lyrics evoke a deep sense of longing and sorrow as the narrator reflects on the transformation of a beloved place that was once full of life and beauty.

The imagery of the "casita tan blanca y bonita" (the little white and beautiful house) now standing in sadness, alongside the weeping palm trees and the dried-up lagoon, underscores the emotional weight of the song. These elements serve as metaphors for the narrator's own feelings of emptiness and loss. The absence of cattle, doves, flowers, and aromas further emphasizes the desolation and the end of an era, as everything that once brought joy and vibrancy has vanished.

The song also touches on personal connections and memories, as the narrator recalls the happy times spent with a loved one in this now desolate place. The mention of the narrator's mother caring for the fields adds a layer of familial attachment and heritage, making the loss even more profound. The departure of the workers and the solitude left behind highlight the irreversible changes and the inevitability of moving on, leaving the narrator to mourn the past and the happiness that once was.

"Cuatro Milpas" is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring impact of memories and the emotional ties we have to places and people that shape our lives. It captures the universal experience of change and the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about what once was.