Supiera Que Tú Me Amabas

Victor Jara's song 'Supiera Que Tú Me Amabas' is a poignant expression of deep, unwavering love. The lyrics convey a sense of eternal devotion, where the speaker's love is so profound that they would rather face death than forget their beloved. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, 'Antes que yo te olvidara / Mi muerte fuera primero,' which translates to 'Before I forget you / My death would come first.' This powerful declaration sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the depth and sincerity of the speaker's emotions.

The recurring phrase 'Columbé, columbé, columbé' adds a rhythmic and almost ritualistic quality to the song, enhancing its emotional impact. This repetition, along with the lines 'Si me pierdo búsquenme, / Si me buscan me hallarán,' suggests a sense of hope and faith in the enduring nature of love. The speaker believes that even if they were to lose themselves, their beloved would find them, reinforcing the idea of an unbreakable bond.

The imagery in the song further underscores the theme of eternal love. The lines 'El sol perdiera sus rayos, / La luna nunca alumbrara, / La mar salga de su centro / Antes que yo te olvidara' paint a vivid picture of natural catastrophes that would have to occur before the speaker could ever forget their beloved. This hyperbolic imagery serves to highlight the impossibility of such a forgetfulness, making the love described in the song seem almost otherworldly and timeless.

Victor Jara, known for his profound and often politically charged music, uses 'Supiera Que Tú Me Amabas' to explore the universal theme of love in a deeply personal and poetic way. The song's lyrical beauty and emotional depth make it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners on a fundamental level.