Anoche me refalé

Rolando Alárcon's song 'Anoche me refalé' is a delightful blend of traditional dance and playful humor. The song is a 'refalosa campesina,' a traditional dance from the 1800s, which sets the stage for its lively and rhythmic nature. The lyrics tell a humorous story of slipping on a bar of soap, a simple yet relatable mishap that becomes a shared experience. The playful tone is evident as the singer describes how both he and another person slipped, turning a minor accident into a moment of connection and laughter.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Que sí, que sí, que no, que no,' adds to the song's playful and teasing nature. It contrasts the singer's mother with another's, using the term 'zamba,' which can refer to a type of dance or a person of mixed race in Latin American culture. This playful banter is a common feature in folk songs, where humor and light-hearted teasing are used to create a sense of community and shared experience.

The song also includes humorous challenges, such as fitting two people on a mattress or a wire, and then escalating it to fitting a whole battalion or the Carampangue, a reference to a military regiment. These exaggerated scenarios add to the song's whimsical nature, inviting listeners to imagine the absurdity and laugh along. Alárcon's use of traditional dance and humor not only entertains but also preserves cultural heritage, making 'Anoche me refalé' a charming piece that bridges the past and present with joy and laughter.