La cinturita

Victor Jara's song 'La Cinturita' is a playful and affectionate ode to a beloved's slender waist. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, painting a vivid picture of admiration and desire. Jara, a renowned Chilean folk singer and political activist, often infused his music with deep emotional and social commentary. However, in 'La Cinturita,' he takes a lighter approach, focusing on the physical beauty of his beloved and the intense feelings it evokes in him.

The repeated references to measuring the waist with a 'vara de cinta' (measuring tape) and the specific detail of 'dieciocho vueltas' (eighteen turns) highlight a sense of fascination and almost obsessive admiration. This act of measuring can be seen as a metaphor for the singer's attempt to quantify and understand his overwhelming attraction. The waist, described as 'delgada como de alambre' (thin like wire), emphasizes the delicate and almost fragile beauty that captivates him.

The chorus, with lines like 'Cada vez que te miro, me muero de hambre' (Every time I look at you, I die of hunger), uses hunger as a metaphor for desire. This hunger is not just physical but also emotional, indicating a deep yearning and longing. The repeated mention of 'cuerpo de acero' (body of steel) juxtaposes the fragility of the waist with the strength and resilience of the beloved, creating a complex image of beauty that is both delicate and powerful. Jara's use of simple yet potent imagery and metaphors makes 'La Cinturita' a charming and memorable song that celebrates the allure of physical beauty and the intense emotions it can inspire.