Los patos en la laguna

Rolando Alárcon's song 'Los patos en la laguna' is a charming and playful piece that intertwines the simplicity of nature with the complexities of human emotions. The song opens with a vivid image of ducks in a lagoon, a serene and picturesque scene that is suddenly contrasted by the mention of light in a storm. This juxtaposition sets the tone for the rest of the song, where innocence and experience, simplicity and complexity, coexist and interact.

The lyrics then shift to a playful call-and-response between children and adults, with the children saying 'tumba' and the adults responding with 'túmbala.' This interaction can be seen as a metaphor for the generational exchange of knowledge and traditions, where the younger generation learns from the older one. The repetition and rhythm of these lines evoke a sense of community and shared experience, highlighting the importance of cultural continuity.

In the latter part of the song, Alárcon introduces a personal anecdote about a girl who gave him water from her little jug but refused to give him a kiss. This simple yet poignant moment captures the innocence of young love and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled desires. The water from the jug symbolizes life and sustenance, while the withheld kiss represents the elusive nature of affection and connection. Through this narrative, Alárcon beautifully encapsulates the universal experience of longing and the tender moments that define our human relationships.