La Vida Total

Quilapayún's song 'La Vida Total' is a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of life, death, and the human experience. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and philosophical reflections, presenting life as a series of interconnected events and emotions. The song opens with the line 'La vida es un espacio entre dos muertes' (Life is a space between two deaths), immediately setting a contemplative tone. This suggests that life is a transient phase, bookended by the inevitability of death. The subsequent lines explore various aspects of existence, such as love, tears, and song, each described in a way that highlights their transient and interconnected nature.

The song delves into the idea that every element of life is part of a larger, cyclical process. For instance, 'El amor es un orgasmo entre dos lágrimas' (Love is an orgasm between two tears) portrays love as a fleeting moment of joy amidst sorrow. Similarly, 'El acto es una danza contra el tiempo' (The act is a dance against time) suggests that human actions are a defiant response to the relentless passage of time. These metaphors emphasize the ephemeral nature of human experiences and the constant interplay between joy and sorrow, action and inaction, life and death.

Quilapayún also touches on the concept of consciousness and its role in shaping our perception of time and existence. 'La conciencia es un reloj de arena antiguo' (Consciousness is an ancient hourglass) implies that our awareness of time is both a gift and a burden, shaping our experiences and memories. The song concludes with a reflection on the unattainable, 'Lo increíble será lo que no podemos, y lo que no podemos será lo que siempre queramos' (The incredible will be what we cannot do, and what we cannot do will be what we always want). This final thought encapsulates the human condition: a perpetual longing for the unattainable, driven by our desires and limitations.

'La Vida Total' is a rich tapestry of metaphors and philosophical musings, inviting listeners to reflect on the transient and interconnected nature of life. Quilapayún's poetic lyrics and evocative imagery create a powerful meditation on existence, urging us to consider the deeper meanings behind our everyday experiences.