Chamamé a Cuba

The song 'Chamamé a Cuba' by Soledad Bravo tells the story of a Correntino, a person from the province of Corrientes in Argentina, who inadvertently sets off on a journey that leads him to Cuba. The lyrics begin with the protagonist taking his canoe out for a spin, despite warnings about an impending storm. His adventurous spirit is highlighted as he is described as a 'machazo' (a tough guy) and 'baqueano' (a guide or expert) in his homeland. The narrative takes a turn when the river carries him out to sea, and he finds himself under a starry sky, contemplating his insignificance when alone.

As the protagonist drifts, he dreams of achieving a great feat, comparing himself to historical explorers like Vito Dumas and Marco Polo. His accidental voyage leads him to Cuba, where he initially seeks to return home but becomes inspired by the Cuban Revolution. The song contrasts the protagonist's initial desire to return with his growing admiration for the Cuban people's commitment to their future. The lyrics mention the absence of illiteracy and the sense of collective ownership of the land, painting a positive picture of the socialist state.

The song concludes with the protagonist's decision to return to his homeland, carrying with him the revolutionary spirit he witnessed in Cuba. The final lines express solidarity with the Cuban cause and a disdain for American imperialism, encapsulated in the cry '¡Que mueran los yanquis que viva Fidel!' (Death to the Yankees, long live Fidel!). Soledad Bravo, a Venezuelan singer known for her social and political songs, uses 'Chamamé a Cuba' to blend the traditional Argentine folk genre of chamamé with a narrative that celebrates Cuban socialism and criticizes foreign intervention.