El Novenario
Gaiteros de Pueblo Santo Lyrics

In the song "El Novenario" by Gaiteros de Pueblo Santo, the opening lines reflect on the profound sorrow that accompanies the death of Cristóbal, indicating that even inanimate objects like stones weep in his memory. This metaphor underscores the universal nature of grief, suggesting that his passing has left an emotional impact so significant that it transcends human experience, affecting nature itself. The line "Adiós pa los que se fueron café pa los que llegaron" illustrates the duality of life and death, where farewell is offered to the deceased while those who arrive for the wake are welcomed with coffee, a traditional gesture of hospitality. This interplay of sadness and social obligation highlights communal bonds during funerary rituals, as friends and family gather to honor the deceased while simultaneously navigating their own emotional responses.

As the narrative continues, we see a contrast between the mourners and the practicalities that still need addressing — where “unos pendientes del muerto otros del plato e' comida.” This line captures the essence of human nature; while some are absorbed in the grief of losing a loved one, others are preoccupied with the necessities of the moment, such as ensuring there is enough food for visitors. This undercurrent of routine and practicality serves as a reminder that life continues even amid mourning, symbolizing the complexity of balancing sorrow with the obligations of hospitality. The gathering of distant relatives adds a layer of collective memory and shared experience, emphasizing the community’s role in supporting the widow, even as they grapple with their own feelings of loss.

The chorus introduces a rhythmic, almost chant-like element with the repeated phrase "Ay lelalela Lele," which invokes a spirit of remembrance and tradition, as seen in the specific offerings of "el pernil" for the visitors and “su dolor” for the widow. This repetition connects the community’s shared grief with culinary traditions, suggesting that food serves as a medium for comfort and connection during times of loss. The imagery evokes a sense of collective mourning, adorned with social customs that illustrate the balance between celebrating life and acknowledging death. Each offering made symbolizes not only nourishment for the body but also solace for the soul, condensing deeply personal emotions into communal activities.

As the song progresses to describe preparations for the novenario, the traditional nine-day mourning period, it paints a vivid picture of the rituals undertaken. The mention of “veintisiete sacerdotes tres por cada día de duelo” conveys the gravity and religious significance of the event, and it highlights the widow's feelings of isolation despite the presence of numerous clergy and visitors. There is a poignant irony in how the widow is left without a moment’s peace while grappling with her grief; rather than finding solace through the rituals, she’s preoccupied with the overwhelming demands of hosting. The cumulative weight of visitors consuming "cinco camiones de yuca" and other offerings illustrates how, despite the community's presence, the widow is burdened by the expectations surrounding her grief, raising questions about the nature of support and the responsibilities placed upon those left behind to manage their mourning amidst the practicalities of life and tradition.