The song 'El Dia Que Artigas Se Emborracho' by El Cuarteto de Nos humorously imagines José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's national hero, getting inebriated and behaving eccentrically. It twists historical events with absurdity, depicting Artigas making irrational decisions and committing outrageous acts—all attributed to his drunken state. The song underlines an alternate, comedic history where Artigas's actions while drunk are humorously justified as having significant impacts on Uruguay's history.
The song pokes fun at historical reverence and the tendency to romanticize national figures. Through its lyrics, we're taken on a fantastical journey where we're encouraged to laugh along at the prospects of a revered leader making ludicrous decisions under the influence of alcohol. Imagine the bemusement and disbelief of hearing about a famous general sloppily setting the colors of the flag or misnaming locations due to a drunken stupor.
As the song progresses, we share in the collective chuckle over the imagined camaraderie and mishaps —the warmth of seeing a figure of authority in such a human and fallible state. It’s like being at a party and watching a respected figure letting their guard down, mishandling situations, but finding it endearing rather than disgraceful because it reveals their humanity.
Yet, the humor takes a turn to the bittersweet. We're also reminded of the toll that leadership and betrayal may take on a person, perhaps touching on the escapism found at the bottom of a bottle. The song suggests that the nation metaphorically 'thanks' Artigas for his inebriation, a satirical nod to how people might justify or sweep under the rug the less flattering aspects of their heroes.
In the end, the emotional journey of 'El Dia Que Artigas Se Emborracho' is a complex one, where listeners find humor layered with historical satire and poignant insights into the pressures of leadership. It flips between the bawdy gaiety of a drinking song and the sobering reality of a public figure's loneliness and betrayal.
"Y azul por el pedo que después me agarré"
The line humorously claims that the blue color on the Uruguayan flag was chosen because of the drunken state ('pedo') Artigas found himself in.
"Se emborrachó, y la patria se lo agradeció"
This recurring line satirically implies that the nation is thankful for the intoxicated antics of their leader, suggesting a collective indulgence in the humor of the situation.
"Pero el pedo se le fue recién en el Paraguay"
This line uses comedic timing to indicate that Artigas's drunkenness only subsided once he reached Paraguay, another playful jab at historical events.
"Mamado hasta las patas dijo 'me gusta esa china'"
Here, the term 'china' typically refers to a country woman or peasant girl, but in Artigas's drunken confusion, he mistakes a man ('el negro Ansina') for a woman, adding to the absurd humor.