Quisiera Tener Cien Pesos

Violeta Parra's song 'Quisiera Tener Cien Pesos' is a poignant reflection on the intersection of love and economic hardship. The lyrics, delivered in the traditional Chilean cueca style, reveal a deep sense of longing and frustration. Parra, a renowned Chilean folklorist and musician, uses her platform to highlight the societal pressures and inequalities faced by the impoverished. The repeated desire for 'cien pesos' (a hundred pesos) to find love underscores the harsh reality that financial stability often dictates personal relationships.

The song's narrative voice laments the impossibility of finding genuine affection without money. The lines 'porque de balde no hay caso que me quieran un poquito' (because for free, there's no way they'll love me even a little) and 'quien tuviera señores, unos trescientos, apuesto que me hablaran de casamiento' (whoever had, gentlemen, about three hundred, I bet they'd talk to me about marriage) starkly illustrate the commodification of love. Parra's use of the cueca, a dance and song form deeply rooted in Chilean culture, adds a layer of authenticity and cultural critique to her message.

The final lines, 'yo no tengo ni cobre porque soy pobre' (I don't even have copper because I am poor), drive home the despair and resignation felt by those in poverty. Parra's work often delves into themes of social justice, and 'Quisiera Tener Cien Pesos' is no exception. It serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive impact of economic disparity on personal and emotional well-being. Through her evocative lyrics and heartfelt delivery, Parra invites listeners to reflect on the value of love and the societal structures that influence it.