Plegaria A Un Labrador

Victor Jara's 'Plegaria A Un Labrador' is a powerful anthem of solidarity and social justice, deeply rooted in the political and cultural context of Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s. The song serves as a prayer and a call to action, urging the oppressed to rise up and join together in the struggle for a better future. The opening lines, which reference the mountain, wind, sun, and water, evoke the natural beauty of Latin America and symbolize the fundamental forces that sustain life. Jara invites the listener to recognize their own power, akin to that of nature, to effect change.

The chorus of the song is a plea for liberation from oppression and a demand for a kingdom of justice and equality. The imagery of the wind blowing through the flowers and the fire cleaning the barrel of a gun suggests a cleansing force that will sweep away injustice and renew the spirit of the people. This metaphorical language underscores the transformative potential of collective action and the fight against tyranny. The repetition of the phrase 'sopla como el viento la flor de la quebrada' (blow like the wind the flower of the ravine) emphasizes the natural and unstoppable momentum of the movement for change.

The song concludes with a reaffirmation of unity and a somber acknowledgment of the potential cost of the struggle. The reference to 'our death' and the closing 'Amen' lend a solemn and spiritual dimension to the message, framing the fight for social justice as both a moral imperative and a sacrifice. Victor Jara's legacy as a folk singer and political activist is encapsulated in this song, which continues to inspire those who seek to build a world based on equality and human dignity.