Balada Del Alba

María Elena Walsh's song "Balada Del Alba" paints a vivid picture of Buenos Aires at dawn, intertwining the city's awakening with a personal love story. The lyrics open with the imagery of a new day breaking in Buenos Aires, symbolizing new beginnings and possibilities. The mention of everyday objects like brooms, posters, and a cat on a balcony grounds the song in the mundane reality of city life, yet these elements are infused with a sense of wonder and potential as the city comes to life.

The song juxtaposes the routines of different people—those returning from the night and those heading to work—highlighting the diverse rhythms of urban life. The reference to "cien mangos de los viejos" and "doscientos mangos de sueños" suggests a blend of nostalgia and hope, with the old currency symbolizing the past and dreams representing the future. This duality is further emphasized by the personal narrative woven into the song, where the singer shares a story about her great-grandmother and a gendarme, adding a layer of familial history and continuity.

The recurring motif of dawn in the lyrics symbolizes not just the start of a new day but also the renewal of love and connection. The lines "Y vas conmigo y voy con vos / Y por el alba vamos los dos" encapsulate the essence of companionship and shared journeys. The song's closing verses, with the poet's coin on the table and the request for a "submarino" (a hot chocolate drink), evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy. The dawn in Buenos Aires becomes a metaphor for the dawn in the lovers' relationship, filled with promise and affection as they navigate the city's awakening together.