Verso Por La Niña Muerta

Violeta Parra's song 'Verso Por La Niña Muerta' is a poignant and heart-wrenching narrative that delves into the profound grief and guilt of a mother who has lost her child. The lyrics are a raw and emotional expression of sorrow, regret, and the search for solace in the face of an unimaginable tragedy. Parra, a renowned Chilean folk singer and songwriter, is known for her deeply emotional and socially conscious music, and this song is no exception.

The song begins with the mother recounting how she left her child in the cradle, believing that the 'mamita luna' (mother moon) would watch over her. However, she receives a letter informing her that this was not the case, and her child has passed away. This revelation shatters her soul, and she vows to make amends for her perceived failure. The imagery of the moon as a caretaker and the letter as a bearer of bad news adds a layer of poetic depth to the narrative, highlighting the mother's initial hope and subsequent despair.

In the second verse, the mother describes the baptism of her child and her efforts to care for her, using 'agua de candelillas' (water from candelilla plants) believed to be miraculous. Despite her efforts, the child, symbolized as a rose, withers away, leaving the mother in profound sorrow. The metaphor of the rose and the plant emphasizes the fragility of life and the deep connection between the mother and her child.

The final verses are a plea for forgiveness from the Virgin Mary, as the mother declares her innocence and expresses her unending grief. She insists that she was a good mother, providing air and water for her child, yet she is left in a state of 'pecado mortal' (mortal sin) and sleepless nights filled with bitter memories. The song concludes with the mother’s acknowledgment that her pain and suffering will be remembered in history, underscoring the enduring impact of her loss.

Parra's 'Verso Por La Niña Muerta' is a powerful exploration of maternal love, loss, and the quest for redemption. It captures the universal experience of grief and the struggle to find meaning and forgiveness in the aftermath of tragedy.