"Argentine Women" is a song cycle composed by the Argentine composer Ariel Ramírez. It is based on Félix Luna lyrics about eight women who were part of the Argentine history and fighters for their freedom.
"En casa de Mariquita"/"At Mariquita´s Home"
Although the lyrical subject is a Chinese (slang for a person with indigenous features), a patriot from Buenos Aires, strolling through the plaza for news, the poem makes indirect reference to another female figure who played a major role in the emancipation of Argentina. The house of this woman, María (Mariquita) Josefa Sánchez de Thompson, turned into a neutral field, a social gathering to discuss political issues with the aim of improve the country. "The Chinese from Alto" was lucky enough to hear "a new song", in other words, she heard singing the Argentine national anthem, as the country song was first played at the home of Sánchez de Thompson on May 14th 1813. Mariquita was ahead of her time, an intelligent, and generous woman, who broke many prejudices.
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"En casa de Mariquita"
(Letra: Félix Luna - Música: Ariel Ramírez) Yo soy la china del Alto, bien patriota y bien porteña, lo dice mi escarapela. Con reboso nuevo y aros fui paseando por la plaza, para saber lo que pasa. Me volvia para el Alto cuando vi una linda fiesta con gente de tiros largos, Y señoras muy compuestas. Déjeme que yo les cuente lo que vi en esa casa del lado de la ventana. En casa de Mariquita un canto nuevo dijeron y yo lo estoy repitiendo. Yo que soy china de Alto y que no entiendo de nada, desde afuera le entonaba. Dice de un grito sagrado de laureles y de gloria de igualdad y libertades de batallas y victorias. Ese canto que es mi patria y era el que tanto esperaba se me ha prendido en el alma. |
"At Mariquita´s Home"
Translation I am the Chinese from Alto, Good patriot and well Buenos Aires, It says because my badge. With new shawl and earrings I was walking through the plaza, To see what happens. I was returning to the Alto When I saw a nice party With elegant people, And very sophisticated ladies. Let me tell you What I saw in that house From the window. At Mariquita´s home A new song sung And I am repeating it. Me, being a Chinese from Alto And I do understand anything, From outside I was singing. It tells about a sacred shout About laurels and glory About equality and freedom About battles and victories. That song that is my homeland And I was waiting for it so much It has caught my soul. |