Real Sayana

Los Manseros Santiagueños, a renowned folk group from Argentina, bring to life the rich cultural tapestry of their homeland in the song 'Real Sayana.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an ancient resting place along the 'camino real' (royal road), a historical route that once bustled with activity. This place, Sayana, is depicted as a repository of timeless stories and traditions, where the sun quenched its thirst from the cool waters of the wells, and the galloping messengers (chasquis) found respite. The imagery of the 'chasqui galopador' evokes the historical significance of these messengers in pre-Columbian and colonial times, who were vital in communication across vast distances.

The song also delves into the cultural practices that thrived in Sayana. The lines 'Hombre y copla en tus fogones se sabían quemar' suggest that both men and their songs were forged in the fires of communal gatherings. The reference to 'vientos de mensajerías' and 'carretas pechando sal' brings to mind the winds carrying messages and the salt-laden carts, symbolizing the movement and trade that once animated this place. The 'chacarera,' a traditional Argentine folk dance, and 'miel de quebrachal,' honey from the quebracho tree, are metaphors for the sweetness and richness of the local culture that the singer wishes to honor with his song.

The guitar, a central element in Argentine folk music, is personified in the lyrics, 'La guitarra de tu nombre, encordau real,' suggesting that the very essence of Sayana is strung into the chords of the guitar. The silence that the guitar dictates reflects the unspoken history and the deep respect for the traditions that have been preserved over time. The song is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Sayana, a place 'preñado de tradición' (pregnant with tradition), and the singer's desire to ennoble it with his verses and light. Each town in the singer's homeland is a living page of history, and through 'Real Sayana,' Los Manseros Santiagueños invite listeners to read and appreciate one of these timeless stories.