El martillo

Victor Jara's song 'El martillo' is a powerful anthem that calls for unity, justice, and peace. The lyrics are simple yet profound, repeating the idea of using a hammer, a bell, and a song to alert people to the dangers they face and to rally them together in defense of peace. The hammer symbolizes the power to build and to fight for justice, the bell represents the call to freedom, and the song embodies the spirit of peace and solidarity.

Jara's use of repetition in the lyrics emphasizes the urgency and importance of these actions. By stating that he would use these tools 'in the morning' and 'at night,' he underscores the constant vigilance required to protect and promote these values. The phrase 'por todo el país' (throughout the country) highlights the widespread nature of the struggle and the need for collective action.

The song also reflects Jara's own life and activism. As a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, Jara used his music to address social and political issues, advocating for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized. 'El martillo' is a testament to his belief in the power of art to inspire change and mobilize people towards a common cause. The final verse, where he declares that he now has a hammer, a bell, and a song, signifies the realization of his vision and the readiness to take action for justice, freedom, and peace.