Marcha De Los Trabajadores De La Construcción
Victor Jara
Building Solidarity: Victor Jara's 'Marcha De Los Trabajadores De La Construcción'
Victor Jara's 'Marcha De Los Trabajadores De La Construcción' is a powerful anthem dedicated to the construction workers' federation, symbolizing the broader labor movement in Chile. The song emphasizes the essential role of construction workers as the foundation and backbone of the nation. By highlighting their contribution, Jara not only acknowledges their labor but elevates their status within society, portraying them as pivotal in nation-building.
The lyrics repeatedly call for unity and collective effort among workers, using the metaphor of construction to represent the building of a socialist society. The hammer, a tool central to their trade, becomes a symbol of their struggle and determination. Jara's call to 'take the hammer and strike' resonates as a rallying cry for workers to engage actively in shaping their future and the future of Chile. This metaphor extends to the use of local materials, suggesting a self-sustaining approach to building socialism, rooted in national resources and labor.
The song also reflects the political climate of Chile during the 1960s and 1970s, a time of significant social and political upheaval. Jara, a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción movement, used his music to voice the struggles and aspirations of the oppressed. 'Marcha De Los Trabajadores De La Construcción' serves not only as a tribute to the workers but also as an encouragement for the broader population to advance toward a more just and equitable society, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual labor and collective progress.