En el río Mapocho

Victor Jara's song 'En el río Mapocho' paints a vivid picture of life in the impoverished neighborhoods of Santiago, Chile, particularly during times of natural disaster. The Mapocho River, which runs through the city, often floods, causing destruction and hardship for the residents. Jara uses this setting to highlight the resilience and camaraderie of the people living in these communities. The imagery of cats dying in the river and sacks being thrown into the water sets a somber tone, but it quickly shifts to a more communal and almost celebratory atmosphere as people come together to face the storm.

The song's lyrics suggest that in the face of adversity, the best response is to find humor and solidarity. The line 'Dicen que en estos casos es mejor reírse' (They say in these cases it's better to laugh) encapsulates this sentiment. Even as a child plays in the storm, imagining himself as the captain of a capsized ship, the community remains unshaken. The mention of sharing a beer ('venga una pilsen') in the mud further emphasizes the idea of finding joy and connection despite the dire circumstances.

Jara also touches on the deeper fears and emotional bonds that sustain people through tough times. The fear of losing a loved one's affection ('Más me asustara yo si llega el caso que mi negra no quiera darme un abrazo') is portrayed as more daunting than the physical destruction caused by the storm. This highlights the importance of human connection and love as sources of strength. The song concludes with a defiant note, asserting that those who work hard are not easily defeated by the elements, and even suggesting a day when they might laugh at the forces of nature that challenge them.