Miguel Enríquez

Ángel Parra's song 'Miguel Enríquez' is a poignant tribute to Miguel Enríquez Espinosa, the Secretary-General of the Revolutionary Left Movement (MIR) in Chile. The lyrics are a heartfelt homage to Enríquez, portraying him as a symbol of resistance and unwavering commitment to his ideals. Parra uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the strength and enduring legacy of Enríquez, likening his name to a river that nourishes the land, symbolizing the life-giving force of his revolutionary spirit.

The song reflects on Enríquez's vision and courage, emphasizing how his eyes look towards the future, representing hope and the continuation of his ideals. The 'voice of metralla' (machine gun fire) in his song signifies the struggle and the purity of his cause. Parra highlights Enríquez's bravery, noting that it took six hundred enemies to bring him down, underscoring his formidable presence and the threat he posed to the oppressive regime.

Parra also touches on the collective grief and admiration of the people, who mourn Enríquez with a 'nudo en la garganta' (a lump in their throats) and a rifle in hand, signifying their readiness to continue the fight. The final lines of the song express a desire to immortalize Enríquez's sacrifice, declaring that he has not died but has given his life to Chile. This powerful message reinforces the idea that Enríquez's spirit lives on in the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom in Chile.