Members:
Irma Macías - vocals
Bieito Romero - bagpipes, accordion and zanfoña
Brais Maceiras - accordion
Nuria Naya - fiddle
Patxi Bermudez - bodhran, drum and djimbek
Pedro Valero - acoustic guitar
Xavier Ferreiro - Latin percussion and effects
Xan Cerqueiro - flutes
Discography:
Vieiras e Vieiros, historias de peregrinos (2020)
Ribeira Sacra (2018)
XXX Aniversario (2016)
Extra: Mundi (2015)
Torre de Breoghán (2014)
Sons da lubre nas noites de luar (2012)
Mar Maior (2012)
Solsticio (2010)
Camiños da fin da terra (2007)
Saudade (2005)
Hai un paraiso (2004)
Espiral (2002)
XV Aniversario (2001)
Cabo do Mundo (1999)
Plenilunio (1997)
Ara Solis (1993)
Beira Atlántica (1990)
O Son do Ar (1988)
Official website: www.luarnalubre.com
Pola Ponte de San Xoan
Luar na Lubre Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vintecinco cegos van,
Pola ponte de San Xoan
Vintecinco cegos van.
Cada cego coa sua moza
Cada moza co seu can,
Cada cego coa sua moza
Cada can co seu gato
Cada gato co seu rato,
Cada can co seu gato
Cada gato co seu rato.
Cada rato coa sua espiga
Cada espiga co seu grao
Cada rato coa sua espiga
Cada espiga co seu grao.
The lyrics of Luar na Lubre's Pola Ponte de San Xoan describe a curious procession of 25 blind people walking towards the bridge of San Xoan. Each blind person is accompanied by their beloved, and each couple is followed by a dog. These dogs, in turn, are followed by a cat, and each cat is watching over a mouse. The imagery of the lyrics is one of harmony and balance, as each creature seems to be just where it should be, following the one before it in a tight line. The lyrics are peculiarly cheerful and hopeful, given the sightless condition of the singers. However, when we consider that their pets are leading the way, unseen by the blind and navigating their way forward with sharp senses, it is easy to see that the lyrics are a tribute to the power of trust and companionship.
The song is steeped in the traditions of Galician folklore, which is known for its intricate wordplay and fondness for repetition. The lyrics read like a litany, chanting each verse with slight variations until the end. The images that are evoked in the lyrics are not random, but rather a reflection of the daily lives of the people who wrote them, who relied on their pets for comfort and company. The overall effect of the song is one of simple, raw beauty, which speaks to the power of community, loyalty, and the enduring human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Pola ponte de San Xoan
On the bridge of San Xoan
Vintecinco cegos van
Twenty-five blind people go
Cada cego coa sua moza
Each blind person with his lover
Cada moza co seu can
Each lover with her dog
Cada can co seu gato
Each dog with his cat
Cada gato co seu rato
Each cat with his mouse
Cada rato coa sua espiga
Each mouse with his ear of grain
Cada espiga co seu grao
Each ear of grain with its kernel
Contributed by Alexandra I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.