La soldadera

Alfredo Zitarrosa's song 'La soldadera' is a poignant tribute to the often overlooked women who played crucial roles in wars, particularly in Latin American history. The song's protagonist, La Chicharra, symbolizes these brave women who, despite societal norms that deemed war a man's domain, stood alongside men in the battlefield. The lyrics highlight the paradox of war being labeled as a 'man's thing' while women like Juana, Padilla, and Chicharra were indispensable in the fight, challenging the gender norms of their time.

The song delves into the harsh realities faced by these women, painting vivid images of children dying of hunger and the destruction of homes. These lines underscore the broader social and humanitarian crises that accompany war, affecting everyone regardless of gender. The mention of 'Virgen María y José' adds a layer of religious and cultural context, emphasizing the deep-rooted beliefs and values that these women had to reconcile with their harsh realities.

La Chicharra's story is one of resilience and survival. She chose to be with the army, not just for her man but for her own survival, rather than perish in obscurity. The lyrics poignantly capture her struggles and contributions, often unrecognized, as she sharpened her metaphorical knife with the war itself. The song concludes with a somber reflection on the fate of these women, whose sacrifices were often reduced to mere footnotes in history, as epitomized by the line 'ayer murió una mujer' (yesterday a woman died). Zitarrosa's 'La soldadera' serves as a powerful reminder of the unsung heroines of war, whose lives and sacrifices deserve to be remembered and honored.