La Luna És Siempre Muy Linda

Victor Jara's song "La Luna És Siempre Muy Linda" is a poignant reflection on the harsh realities of poverty and the enduring beauty of love and solidarity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Jara's childhood, marked by the struggles of his parents. His father's face is described as a 'hueco en la muralla' (a hole in the wall), symbolizing absence and despair. The imagery of 'sábanas manchadas de barro' (sheets stained with mud) and 'piso de tierra' (dirt floor) further emphasizes the dire living conditions. His mother, tirelessly working day and night, represents the relentless toil and sacrifice of the poor, while the 'llantos y gritos' (cries and screams) echo the emotional turmoil within the household.

The song delves deeper into the coping mechanisms of the impoverished. The lines 'jugando al ángel y al diablo' (playing angel and devil) and 'jugando al hijo que no va a nacer' (playing the child that will not be born) suggest a form of escapism and the harsh reality of lost potential. The constant presence of lit candles signifies a desperate clinging to faith, yet Jara questions the source of money to sustain this faith, highlighting the economic exploitation of the poor.

In the recited section, Jara reflects on the unchanging nature of their plight. He recalls no divine intervention, no 'cosecha gloriosa' (glorious harvest), no peace for his mother, and no respite from his father's drinking. This stark reality sets the stage for the song's powerful chorus. Jara sings about the fear instilled in the poor to make them endure their suffering, and how their misery is masked by a 'cuba de imágenes' (vat of images). Despite this, he finds solace in the beauty of the moon and the setting sun, symbols of enduring natural beauty. Ultimately, Jara's cry is one of defiance and hope: he believes in nothing but the warmth of human connection and love, encapsulated in the line 'no creo en nada sino en el amor' (I believe in nothing but love).