Batallones Olvidados

Los Cuatro Cuartos' song "Batallones Olvidados" is a poignant tribute to the forgotten battalions of the Chilean army. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the rugged, bearded, and fierce soldiers who return from the harsh Andean campaigns. These warriors, the last of their kind, endured the biting cold and relentless winds of the mountains, which served as their only sentinels. The imagery of the cold watching over their dreams and the wind guarding the Sierra underscores the harsh and lonely conditions they faced.

The song delves into the grueling five-year campaign that thinned their ranks, leaving behind a trail of lost crosses in the mountains. These crosses symbolize the fallen soldiers, whose sacrifices have been forgotten over time. The battalions, surrounded by guerrilla fighters and isolated in the Sierra, became the "batallones olvidados"—forgotten battalions—by the end of the war. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song emphasizes the neglect and abandonment these soldiers experienced.

The lyrics also touch on the emotional toll of the campaign. The once-cherished faces that encouraged them have faded from their memories due to the passage of time, relentless battles, and the pervasive sense of being forgotten. Despite their tattered flags and dwindling numbers, these veterans are sustained by their stubborn hearts, a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit. "Batallones Olvidados" serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these soldiers and the importance of remembering their contributions to history.