Allende presidente

Ángel Parra's song "Allende presidente" is a powerful tribute to Salvador Allende, the former President of Chile who was overthrown in a military coup in 1973. The song opens with the iconic chant, "¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!" ("The people united will never be defeated!"), setting the tone for a message of unity and resistance. Parra salutes Allende, emphasizing that his presence and ideals remain alive from the mountains to the sea, eternal in the memory of a suffering Chile. The lyrics condemn the betrayal and violence of the coup, labeling the perpetrators as cowards and assassins, and directly implicating figures like Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon, as well as the CIA and fascists funded by Washington.

The song paints Allende as a beacon of hope and justice, a leader who envisioned a world without hatred or vengeance. Parra highlights Allende's resistance, even in the face of death, and his unwavering commitment to dignity and justice. The lyrics also reflect on the dark period of torture and imprisonment that followed the coup, portraying the Chilean people as unprotected and vulnerable. Despite this, the song carries a message of enduring loyalty and bravery, suggesting that Allende's legacy will ultimately lead to justice and redemption.

Parra's lyrics also connect Allende's struggle to broader historical and revolutionary figures like Simón Bolívar, Emiliano Zapata, and Che Guevara, as well as the everyday workers and poor people who fight for justice, bread, and education. The song underscores the ongoing nature of this struggle, with a call to continue fighting with strength and passion. Parra denounces the infamy and terror imposed by the coup's brutal jailers, demanding that they seek forgiveness from the nation and its symbols of love and resistance. The song concludes with a calm farewell to Allende, expressing confidence that the seeds of revolution he planted will continue to grow and inspire future generations.