Dolencias

Inti-Illimani's song 'Dolencias' is a poignant and heartfelt plea for understanding and happiness. The lyrics, though brief, are deeply evocative, capturing a sense of enduring pain and a longing for relief. The opening line, 'Duélete de mis dolencias,' translates to 'Feel my pains,' immediately setting a tone of vulnerability and a cry for empathy. This line suggests that the speaker is reaching out to someone they have loved, asking them to share in their suffering and understand the depth of their emotional turmoil.

The following lines, 'Si algún día me has querido / Y enséñame a ser feliz,' which mean 'If you have ever loved me / Teach me to be happy,' further emphasize the speaker's desperation. There is a sense of a past connection, a love that once existed, and the speaker is now seeking solace and guidance from this person. The plea to be taught how to be happy indicates that the speaker feels inherently incapable of finding joy on their own, highlighting a profound sense of helplessness and despair.

The final line, 'Porque infeliz yo he nacido,' meaning 'Because I was born unhappy,' encapsulates the essence of the song. It suggests a belief that unhappiness is an intrinsic part of the speaker's nature, something they have carried since birth. This line adds a layer of existential sorrow, as it implies that the speaker's suffering is not just a result of external circumstances but a fundamental aspect of their being. Inti-Illimani, known for their socially and politically charged music, often explores themes of struggle and resilience, and 'Dolencias' is a powerful reflection of the human condition and the universal quest for happiness amidst suffering.