México 68

Ángel Parra's song "México 68" is a poignant and powerful protest against the massacre that occurred on October 2, 1968, in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco, Mexico City. This event, known as the Tlatelolco massacre, saw the Mexican government violently suppress a student-led protest, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of students and civilians. Parra's lyrics serve as a haunting reminder of this dark chapter in Mexican history, ensuring that the memories of those who perished are never forgotten.

The song opens with a stark contrast between the 'glorious' Olympic Games held in Mexico City in 1968 and the brutal reality of the government's actions. The line "mandó a matar el gobierno cuatrocientos camaradas" (the government ordered the killing of four hundred comrades) sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the betrayal and violence inflicted upon innocent lives. Parra's use of the Plaza de Tlatelolco as a symbol of pain and loss underscores the deep emotional and cultural impact of the massacre.

Parra questions the morality of the soldiers involved, asking how they can return home and love their families with blood-stained hands. This imagery of indelible stains that cannot be washed away, even with soap and water, serves as a metaphor for the lasting guilt and shame that the perpetrators must carry. The song also invokes the Virgin of Guadalupe, a revered figure in Mexican culture, suggesting that even divine intervention cannot absolve the soldiers of their sins.

The resilience and determination of the students are celebrated in the lines "Los estudiantes caminan con la verdad en la mirada" (The students walk with truth in their eyes). Despite the violence they faced, the students' commitment to justice and truth remains unshaken. Parra emphasizes that their legacy will be carried forward through actions, not just words, and that their fight for a better future will continue. The song concludes with a reiteration of the government's culpability, ensuring that the memory of the massacre remains etched in the collective consciousness of the Mexican people.