La Alejada

The song 'La Alejada' by Los Huayra, an Argentine folk music group known for their Andean sounds and poetic lyrics, delves into the themes of love and longing during a festive time. The lyrics open with a reflection on the irresistible urge to sing when the 'cajas' (drums) sound during carnival, a time of celebration and release. This sets the stage for a narrative of unrequited love, where the singer is drawn to 'unos ojitos' (little eyes) that remain indifferent to his affections.

The plea 'Al amor no lo hagas llorar más' (Don't make love cry anymore) suggests a desire for reciprocity and the healing of a wounded heart. The singer offers a 'pimpollo de tu rosal' (bud from your rosebush) as a metaphor for a gesture of love that might console the aching heart. The carnival becomes a character in this story, with the singer asking it to take his heart and beat it like a drum, symbolizing the pain of love lost or unattained.

The final verse speaks to the loneliness of the singer, wandering and calling out the name of the beloved. The 'noche más noche' (darkest night) and the mention of a 'lucero' (bright star) evoke a sense of hope and the possibility of finding the loved one, despite the darkness of the current situation. The song weaves together the vibrancy of carnival with the personal narrative of love and yearning, creating a poignant contrast between public celebration and private emotion.