Me Gustan Los Estudiantes

Violeta Parra's 'Me Gustan Los Estudiantes' is a vibrant and powerful ode to the spirit of student activism and the role of youth in societal change. The song, with its lively melody and poetic lyrics, celebrates the courage, intelligence, and revolutionary zeal of students who stand up against oppression and fight for justice. Parra, a Chilean folklorist, songwriter, and artist, was known for her commitment to social issues and her ability to capture the struggles of the common people in her music.

The lyrics praise students as the 'garden of our joy' and liken them to fearless birds undeterred by authority or violence. The song's chorus, '¡Que vivan los estudiantes!', which translates to 'Long live the students!', is a rallying cry for the power of education and the importance of academic freedom. Parra's admiration for students is evident as she describes them as the yeast that will rise to become the nourishing bread for the poor, symbolizing hope for a better future through the enlightenment and empowerment of the younger generation.

The song also touches on themes of intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of truth, as it mentions students in laboratories and those who challenge the status quo, including religious dogma. Parra's use of metaphors, such as students being like 'libertarian birds' and 'elements', emphasizes their natural inclination towards freedom and their essential role in the progress of society. 'Me Gustan Los Estudiantes' is not just a song; it's an anthem that encapsulates the fervor of the 1960s and 70s student movements in Latin America and remains relevant wherever youth continue to question and reshape the world around them.