La Noche de los Lápices

The song 'La Noche de los Lápices' by Iparfolk delves into a dark chapter of Argentine history, specifically the events of September 16, 1976, known as 'The Night of the Pencils.' This tragic event involved the kidnapping and disappearance of a group of high school students in La Plata, Argentina, who were protesting for their right to student bus passes. The lyrics poignantly capture the essence of their struggle and the brutal repression they faced.

The song opens with a vivid image of a 'gladiator' fighting in the streets, symbolizing the students' courageous stand against an oppressive regime. The 'echo in his voice' represents the enduring impact of their protest, even though they did not fully understand the magnitude of their actions at the time. The reference to 'Pueblo argentino la plata de pie' underscores the collective spirit of the Argentine people, particularly in La Plata, who stood up against the dictatorship.

The recurring lines 'Pisotearon el jardín de la esencia estudiantil' and 'Raspa el polvo militar' highlight the violent suppression of the students' movement. The 'garden of student essence' symbolizes the purity and potential of youth, which was trampled by the military's brutal force. The 'mortal criminal' refers to the perpetrators of these heinous acts, whose actions left an indelible mark on the nation's history.

The song also pays tribute to the seven innocent students whose lives were cut short, describing their cells as 'rojas de dolor'—red with pain. The 'sol rebelde' or 'rebel sun' that illuminates their memory signifies the enduring spirit of resistance and the hope that their sacrifice will not be forgotten. The final lines reflect a sense of solidarity and continuity, as the singer vows to embody the spirit of those young fighters, ensuring that their legacy lives on.