Arriba Quemando El Sol

Violeta Parra's song 'Arriba Quemando El Sol' is a poignant and powerful commentary on the harsh realities faced by miners and the working class in Chile. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the desolation and suffering experienced by these communities, juxtaposed against the relentless, scorching sun that symbolizes the oppressive forces they endure. Parra's journey to the pampa, initially filled with hope and joy, quickly turns into a tale of loss and despair as she witnesses the dire conditions of the miners.

The imagery of losing feathers and voice signifies the stripping away of dignity and the silencing of the oppressed. The song highlights the stark contrast between the miners' living conditions and the natural world, suggesting that even a snail in its shell is better off than the miners in their homes. The 'refined thief' in the shadow of the laws points to the systemic corruption and exploitation that perpetuate their suffering.

Parra's description of the rows of shacks and women with faces of affliction underscores the widespread and communal nature of this suffering. The dead town and the burial of justice and reason further emphasize the hopelessness and systemic failure that these communities face. The repeated refrain 'Y arriba quemando el sol' serves as a constant reminder of the relentless and unyielding nature of their plight.

The song also touches on the manipulation of information and the disparity between the reality of the poor and the narratives presented by those in power. Parra's return to Santiago without understanding the 'color' of the news highlights the disconnect and the deliberate obfuscation of the miners' struggles. The final lines, with the dark night below and the sun burning above, encapsulate the inescapable and pervasive nature of their suffering.