La Beata

Victor Jara's song 'La Beata' delves into the complex and often taboo subject of forbidden love and hidden desires within the confines of religious life. The lyrics tell the story of a devout woman, referred to as 'la beata,' who is deeply infatuated with her confessor, a friar. This relationship is fraught with tension and secrecy, as it goes against the vows of celibacy and the expectations of religious conduct. The repeated use of the phrase 'chiribiribiribiri' adds a playful yet ironic tone, highlighting the contrast between the sacred and the profane.

The beata's desires are vividly illustrated through her specific requests. She rejects conventional items like shoes and shrouds, instead longing for the friar's old sandals and cassock. These items symbolize her deep emotional and physical connection to the friar, as well as her rejection of societal norms and religious expectations. The beata's insistence on being veiled with the friar's short candle further emphasizes her intimate and clandestine relationship with him. This imagery suggests a longing for closeness and a desire to be enveloped in the friar's presence, even in death.

Victor Jara, a renowned Chilean folk singer and political activist, often used his music to address social and political issues. 'La Beata' can be seen as a critique of the rigid structures and hypocrisies within religious institutions. By highlighting the beata's forbidden love, Jara exposes the human emotions and desires that exist beneath the surface of religious piety. The song serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the often unspoken struggles that individuals face within restrictive societal frameworks.