Qué Lindo És Ser Voluntario

Victor Jara's song "Qué Lindo És Ser Voluntario" is a powerful anthem that celebrates the spirit of volunteerism and collective action. The lyrics are a call to arms for the working class, urging them to take control of their destinies through hard work and solidarity. Jara, a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, uses his music to address social and political issues, and this song is no exception. The opening lines dismiss the notion of indifference, emphasizing that real change requires active participation and effort. The metaphor of the mountain that must be approached rather than waiting for it to come to you underscores the importance of proactive engagement in social causes.

The chorus of the song highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a volunteer. Jara paints a vivid picture of community members coming together to build parks, bridges, houses, and roads, all while pursuing a shared destiny. This imagery not only celebrates the tangible benefits of volunteer work but also the sense of purpose and unity it brings to those involved. The repeated encouragement to "dale" (give it) to various forms of labor—whether in agriculture, mining, or construction—serves as a rallying cry for collective effort and mutual support.

Jara also addresses the broader political context, criticizing the wealthy for their self-serving defense of their interests and their misunderstanding of democracy. He invokes the teachings of Lenin and the revolutionary goals of Luis Emilio Recabarren, a key figure in Chilean labor history, to emphasize that true social change requires education, dedication, and a break from bourgeois complacency. The song's closing lines reiterate the need for active pursuit of lofty goals, symbolized by the stars, and the rejection of exploitation and speculation. Through "Qué Lindo És Ser Voluntario," Victor Jara not only celebrates the beauty of volunteerism but also calls for a united, educated, and proactive working class to strive for a better future.