La Cueca de Los Picados

Violeta Parra's 'La Cueca de Los Picados' is a rich tapestry of cultural pride and musical heritage. The song is a cueca, a traditional Chilean dance and musical form, which Parra uses to celebrate and defend the authenticity of indigenous and folk music against critics. The lyrics begin with a reference to 'unos pica'os,' or some envious people, who claim that the Parra family has strayed from traditional instruments like the harp, accordion, and guitar. This sets the stage for a defense of the instruments and sounds that are deeply rooted in indigenous culture.

Parra contrasts the traditional European instruments with those of indigenous origin, such as the 'guitarrillas,' 'bombo,' 'cajas,' and 'quena.' She emphasizes that these instruments are 'más indias,' or more indigenous, than the 'vihuela,' a traditional Spanish string instrument. This comparison highlights the cultural significance and emotional depth of indigenous instruments, which Parra argues are more representative of the true Chilean spirit. The mention of the 'charango,' a small Andean string instrument, further underscores this point, as it is known for its ability to convey the sorrows and joys of the people.

The song concludes with a call to embrace these indigenous instruments, symbolized by the 'trutruka' and 'kultrún,' as they journey 'pa'l sur,' or to the south. This journey can be seen as a metaphor for returning to one's roots and embracing cultural heritage. Violeta Parra, a pivotal figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, uses 'La Cueca de Los Picados' to assert the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous music and culture in the face of modernization and external influences.