Nuestra respuesta es la vida
Isabel Parra
A Resilient Anthem for Latin America
Isabel Parra's song "Nuestra respuesta es la vida" is a powerful and evocative anthem that speaks to the resilience and enduring spirit of Latin America. The lyrics, which include an excerpt from Gabriel García Márquez's Nobel Prize acceptance speech, highlight the struggles and triumphs of the region. Parra calls for clarity and truth, emphasizing the need for freedom and peace in Latin America. She denounces the madness of the ongoing battles and the exploitation and neglect faced by the people of the region.
The song's chorus, taken from Márquez's speech, underscores the unyielding vitality of life in Latin America despite the numerous challenges it faces. Parra lists various calamities such as plagues, famines, floods, and wars, noting that none have been able to diminish the persistent advantage of life over death in the region. This message of resilience and hope is a testament to the enduring spirit of Latin American people, who continue to thrive and fight for a better future despite the adversities they face.
Parra also addresses the suppression of free speech and the plight of the displaced. She condemns the laws that protect liars and calls for the rights of those who have been unjustly stripped of their land. The song is a plea for justice and freedom, highlighting the chains that bind the people of Latin America and calling for their liberation. Through her powerful lyrics, Parra captures the essence of the Latin American struggle and the unwavering hope for a brighter future.