El picaflor (o El colibrí)

Ángel Parra's song "El picaflor (o El colibrí)" tells a poignant story of a hummingbird, or picaflor, whose love is deemed illegal by societal standards. The hummingbird, described as having seven lights and seeking a thimble to live in, symbolizes a quest for a simple, peaceful life. However, the bird's love is considered unfortunate and without a home, reflecting a sense of displacement and societal rejection. The repeated mention of the number seven, often associated with completeness or perfection, contrasts sharply with the bird's tragic circumstances, highlighting the irony of its situation.

The song delves deeper into the theme of forbidden love. The picaflor is told that its love is illegal and that it must marry to be accepted. This reflects societal norms and legal constraints that often dictate personal relationships, suggesting a critique of rigid social structures. The refusal to rent the thimble for the 'illegal traffic' of love underscores the harshness and lack of compassion in these societal rules. The picaflor's plight is a metaphor for those who are marginalized and whose love does not conform to societal expectations.

In the end, the picaflor and its beloved are devoured by a ferocious cat in the garden, a place that should have been a sanctuary. This brutal conclusion serves as a stark commentary on the consequences of societal rejection and the dangers faced by those who defy conventional norms. The fact that their death is deemed 'legal' adds a layer of bitter irony, suggesting that legality does not always equate to justice or morality. Parra's song is a powerful narrative on love, legality, and the often cruel nature of societal judgments.