El Forastero

Quilapayún's song "El Forastero" delves into the life of a stranger navigating through unfamiliar and often hostile terrain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is cautious and wary, as indicated by the line "a un pie le pide permiso para levantar el otro" (he asks one foot for permission to lift the other). This metaphor highlights the stranger's hesitance and the challenging path he must tread, filled with obstacles and uncertainties.

The song also touches on themes of mistrust and alienation. The stranger is warned about the "mala sombra" (bad shadow) of the litre tree, symbolizing the negative influences and dangers he must avoid. This sense of isolation is further emphasized by his reluctance to seek shelter under any tree unless it is in the company of another, suggesting a deep-seated fear of betrayal or harm. Even the seemingly benign willow tree is viewed with suspicion, indicating that the stranger finds it difficult to trust anyone or anything in his environment.

As the stranger continues his journey, he encounters the harsh reality of the mountainous terrain, where the locals assert their dominance by proclaiming, "caminos de la montaña son de Dios y de nosotros" (the mountain paths belong to God and us). This declaration underscores the stranger's outsider status and the territorial nature of the inhabitants. Despite these challenges, the stranger perseveres, guided by the voice of the wind and the memories of his peaceful plains. The song concludes with the stranger moving forward, still cautious but determined, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.