Papel Volantín

Angelo Escobar's 'Papel Volantín' is a song that weaves together themes of nostalgia, hope, and societal transformation through the metaphor of a kite, known as 'volantín' in Spanish. The song begins with a tender gesture, offering a kite to lift away sorrow and bring back the joy of seeing a loved one smile. The lyrics suggest that through the simple act of flying a kite, one can transcend the constraints of time, revisit childhood innocence, and experience the strength of love, which is likened to the force of the wind.

The chorus invites the listener to revert to a childlike state, to let go of sadness and embrace the freedom and happiness of youth. This return to childhood is not just a personal escape but a call for societal change. Escobar imagines a world where the harsh realities of adult life, represented by drug addiction, fast food chains, courts, nightclubs, and police vehicles, are transformed into elements of a community-focused, joyous existence. The song envisions a Chile that relearns basic human values and dries its collective tears with the same paper used to make kites.

The song's final verses extend the invitation to all, urging a collective return to innocence and the adoption of a new constitution, symbolizing a fresh start for the country. The kite becomes a symbol of hope and change, a vehicle for healing and reimagining a better future. 'Papel Volantín' is not just a song about personal longing but a social commentary on the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the potential for transformation within a community.