Retrato

Mercedes Sosa's song 'Retrato' paints a vivid picture of a woman's life, filled with resilience, struggle, and unwavering commitment to her people. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, reflecting the socio-political landscape of Latin America, particularly Argentina, during times of turmoil. Sosa, known as 'La Negra,' was a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción movement, which used music as a form of protest and social commentary. Her powerful voice and poignant lyrics have made her an enduring symbol of resistance and hope.

The song begins by describing the woman's heart as 'de amplia miel,' or 'of wide honey,' suggesting a sweetness and generosity that is still unripe ('en agraz'). Her 'boca locuaz,' or 'talkative mouth,' is likened to a river's wind, indicating her eloquence and the flow of her words. The imagery of her blood's current dragging her in a torrent ('turbion') speaks to the intensity and passion that drive her actions. She is not a stranger to hard work, having passed through the loom ('telar') and the factory ('usina'), and returned to the clay ('greda'), symbolizing her connection to the earth and the working class.

As the song progresses, it highlights her growth and development. She germinates with a maternal glow ('resplandor maternal'), becoming a hive ('panal') filled with purpose. Her journey of understanding, thinking, and eventually militating ('militar') underscores her transformation into an active participant in the struggle for justice. The repetition of her not being a stranger to the loom and factory emphasizes her enduring connection to labor and the common people.

The climax of the song comes with the city's burning ('cuando ardio la ciudad') and the tanks' destruction ('cuando el tanque arraso'), symbolizing political upheaval and betrayal. Despite the chaos, she continues to act, work, and help, even as her feet are torn apart ('desgarrarse los pies'). The final lines, 'desaparecio,' or 'she disappeared,' poignantly reflect the tragic fate of many activists and ordinary people who were 'disappeared' during Argentina's Dirty War. Sosa's 'Retrato' is a powerful tribute to the resilience and sacrifice of those who fight for justice, capturing the essence of a woman's life dedicated to her people and their struggle.