Que Dirá El Santo Padre

Quilapayún's song 'Que Dirá El Santo Padre' is a powerful protest against the hypocrisy and brutality of oppressive regimes. The lyrics poignantly highlight the stark contrast between the promises of freedom and tranquility made by those in power and the harsh reality faced by the oppressed. The song opens with a biting critique of how the authorities speak of liberty while simultaneously depriving people of it, and how they preach peace while tormenting the populace. This duality sets the stage for a broader commentary on the injustices faced by the people.

The repeated question, '¿Qué dirá el santo Padre que vive en Roma, que le están degollando a su paloma?' serves as a poignant metaphor. The 'santo Padre' (Holy Father) refers to the Pope, symbolizing moral and spiritual authority. The 'paloma' (dove) represents peace and innocence, which are being slaughtered by the regime. This metaphor underscores the betrayal of fundamental human values and the silence or complicity of those who should be moral leaders. The song's imagery of bullets raining down like hail and the execution of the innocent further intensifies the sense of injustice and brutality.

The song also references historical figures and events, such as Julián Grimau, a Spanish communist executed during Franco's dictatorship. By invoking Grimau's name, Quilapayún connects the struggles in Latin America with broader global movements against fascism and tyranny. The mention of the fifth commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' highlights the moral contradictions of those who commit violence while claiming to uphold religious or ethical standards. The song's closing lines, which speak of the strength to sing in the face of injustice, reflect a resilient spirit and a commitment to resistance through art and music.