El Olivar

The song 'El Olivar' by 1280 Almas is a powerful anthem of resilience and resistance. The lyrics convey a strong message about standing firm and not allowing oneself to be brought down by external forces. The repeated exhortation to 'agarrate' (hold on) and not to 'dejarse bajar del tren' (let oneself be taken off the train) serves as a metaphor for maintaining one's position and not succumbing to pressures or threats. This imagery of a train journey symbolizes the path of life, where one must stay vigilant and steadfast to avoid being derailed by adversities.

The references to 'vengo del olivo y voy pa'l olivar' (I come from the olive tree and go to the olive grove) and 'camino del mar' (on the way to the sea) suggest a journey through familiar yet perilous territories. The olive tree and grove can be seen as symbols of peace and endurance, while the sea represents a place of potential salvation. The protagonist's journey is fraught with danger, as indicated by the line 'porque allá debajo me quieren matar' (because down there they want to kill me). This highlights the constant threat faced by those who challenge the status quo or resist oppression.

The repeated warning 'Cuidado que verde de olivo, pintado va el tren enemigo' (Beware, the enemy train is painted olive green) adds a layer of caution against deceptive appearances. The olive green, often associated with military uniforms, suggests that the enemy might be disguised or camouflaged, making it harder to identify and resist. The song also includes a traditional saying, 'quitate de la via perico, que hay viene el tren' (get off the tracks, Perico, here comes the train), emphasizing the urgency and danger of the situation. The mention of Perico being deaf and the regret of not stopping the train if known earlier adds a tragic element, underscoring the consequences of not being aware or prepared.

Overall, 'El Olivar' is a call to remain vigilant, resilient, and resistant in the face of adversity. It speaks to the importance of holding on to one's beliefs and not being swayed by external pressures, while also being aware of the deceptive nature of threats that may come disguised.