Pisagua

Los Miserables' song 'Pisagua' is a poignant and powerful narrative that delves into the dark history of political repression and human rights abuses in Chile. The song tells the story of a man who was forcibly disappeared, a common occurrence during the military dictatorship that ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990. With his fist raised high, symbolizing resistance and defiance, the man is seen for the last time by his community before vanishing into the oppressive machinery of the state.

The lyrics paint a harrowing picture of the man's fate. He is taken away by soldiers, following orders from their superiors, to be executed and buried in secrecy. The imagery of soldiers with blood on their hands underscores the brutality and inhumanity of the regime. The song captures the anguish and despair of the man's family, who are left in the dark about his whereabouts and ultimate fate for 18 long years. When his mutilated body is finally discovered, the family's demand for justice and accountability becomes a central theme.

The song also highlights the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for these atrocities. The general, who ordered the man's execution, lives comfortably, unpunished, and burdened only by the weight of his conscience. This stark contrast between the suffering of the victims and the unscathed lives of the perpetrators serves as a powerful critique of the lack of justice and the enduring scars left by the dictatorship. 'Pisagua' is not just a song; it is a call to remember, to seek justice, and to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.