El regreso del indio

Les Luthiers, an Argentine musical and comedic group, are known for their clever and often humorous compositions. However, in 'El regreso del indio,' they take a more poignant and reflective approach. The song tells the story of an indigenous man returning to his home after a long and arduous journey. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his trek through the mountains, his weariness, and his emotional reunion with his family.

The song begins with the setting sun disappearing behind the mountains, symbolizing the end of a long day and perhaps a long period of hardship. The man walks sadly, and the call to 'alégrenlo' (cheer him up) suggests a community's desire to lift his spirits. This sets the tone for a narrative of struggle and eventual joy. The repetition of 'Vuelve ya el indio a su casa' (The Indian returns home) emphasizes the significance of this homecoming, marking it as a 'glorious day.' The journey is described as passing by the snow-capped Andes, highlighting the natural beauty and the challenges of the terrain.

As the man approaches his home, his physical exhaustion is evident. His 'enormous and brown eyes' and 'tired body' dragging along, with feet entangled in thistles, convey a sense of weariness and perseverance. The silence of the Puna (a high plateau region) adds to the solemnity of his journey. Upon nearing his hut, he lifts his voice to the sky, and his prayer soars like a condor, a powerful symbol of freedom and spiritual elevation in Andean culture.

The climax of the song is the emotional reunion with his family. The embrace between the man and his partner, the child's cry, and the moonlight illuminating the scene create a powerful image of love, relief, and unity. The use of 'Laralala' at the end adds a touch of simplicity and universality to the song, making it a timeless tale of human resilience and the importance of home and family.