Some of his better known songs include “Guitarra Negra”, “El violín de Becho”, “Doña Soledad”, “Pa’l que se va”, “Crece desde el pie”, “Milonga para una niña” and “Adagio en mi país”.
Pa'l Que Se Va
Alfredo Zitarrosa Lyrics
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si te vas pa' la ciudad
cuanti más lejos te vayas
más te tenés que acordar
cierto que hay muchas cosas
que se pueden olvidar
pero algunas son olvidos
y otras son cosas nomás
no eches en la maleta
lo que no vayas a usar
son más largos los caminos
pa'l que va cargao de más
aura que sos mocito
y ya pitás como el que más
no cambiés nunca de trillo
aunque no tengas pa' fumar
y si sentís triteza
cuando mires para atrás
no te olvides que el camino
es pa'l que viene y pa'l que va
In Alfredo Zitarrosa's song "Pa'l que se va," he advises the listener not to forget about their roots and the land they came from, especially when they move to the city. He stresses that the farther someone goes from their home, the more they should remember it. While some things can be forgotten, some are essential aspects of a person's identity and should never be left behind.
Zitarrosa then talks about packing and warns against taking unnecessary items on a journey since the roads are long and challenging for those carrying too much. He reminds listeners to keep true to their path, even when times are tough and not to change the way they live just to fit in with others.
Lastly, he reflects on looking back at one's journey and the feeling of sadness that may come with it. He reminds the listener that the road is meant for both those leaving and those coming, and it is crucial to look forward and continue moving forward, even if it means leaving a part of oneself behind.
"Pa'l que se va" is a song about respecting one's roots and identity and, ultimately, moving forward without forgetting where one came from. It's a message about valuing the journey and not just the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
no te olvidés del pago
Don't forget about your debts to the people in your community if you're leaving for the city.
si te vas pa' la ciudad
If you're leaving for the city.
cuanti más lejos te vayas
The further you go.
más te tenés que acordar
The more you need to remember where you came from.
cierto que hay muchas cosas
It's true that there are many things.
que se pueden olvidar
That can be forgotten.
pero algunas son olvidos
But some are losses.
y otras son cosas nomás
And others are just things.
no eches en la maleta
Don't put in your suitcase.
lo que no vayas a usar
What you won't use.
son más largos los caminos
The roads are longer.
pa'l que va cargao de más
For those who are carrying too much.
aura que sos mocito
Now that you're young.
y ya pitás como el que más
And you're already a part of the group.
no cambiés nunca de trillo
Never change your path or way of life.
aunque no tengas pa' fumar
Even if you don't have the money for cigarettes.
y si sentís triteza
And if you feel sadness.
cuando mires para atrás
When you look back.
no te olvides que el camino
Remember that the path.
es pa'l que viene y pa'l que va
Is for those who are coming and going.
Contributed by Mackenzie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.