En la playa, el amor

Isabel Parra's song "En la playa, el amor" is a poignant tribute to Marta Ugarte Román, a Chilean teacher and communist activist who was brutally murdered during the Pinochet dictatorship. The song's lyrics are a powerful narrative that intertwines the personal tragedy of Ugarte's death with broader themes of resistance, memory, and the enduring spirit of those who fight for justice.

The song opens with a stark depiction of the discovery of Ugarte's body, emphasizing the brutality of her murder. The repeated imagery of her lifeless body on the beach, covered only by the cold and caressed by the moon, serves as a haunting reminder of the violence inflicted upon her. This imagery not only evokes a sense of mourning but also highlights the inhumanity of her killers, contrasting the natural beauty of the beach with the horror of the crime.

As the song progresses, Parra shifts the focus to the broader implications of Ugarte's death. The sea, the sky, and the wind are all depicted as witnesses to the crime, symbolizing the collective memory and the natural world's role in preserving the truth. The repeated refrain that Ugarte is not truly dead, but rather had to leave, underscores the idea that her spirit and the ideals she fought for continue to live on. This sentiment is further reinforced by the comparison of Ugarte to the earth that nurtures life, suggesting that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Through "En la playa, el amor," Isabel Parra not only commemorates Marta Ugarte Román but also calls attention to the enduring struggle for justice and human rights. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against oppression.