La edad de la mujer

Victor Jara's song "La edad de la mujer" offers a satirical and critical perspective on societal expectations placed upon women regarding marriage and relationships. The lyrics humorously describe different ages of a woman and the societal judgments that come with being single at each stage. Jara uses playful and exaggerated metaphors to highlight the absurdity of these expectations, such as a woman being single at twenty because she 'fell off the roof' or at thirty because she 'locked her desk.' These metaphors serve to mock the irrational reasons society often attributes to a woman's single status.

The song also includes a personal anecdote about an aunt who taught Jara that 'hope is the last thing to be lost,' yet she died single. This anecdote adds a layer of irony and poignancy to the song, emphasizing the unrealistic and often unattainable standards imposed on women. The lyrics continue to describe women at forty and fifty, using metaphors like having an 'evacuated room' or a 'cold pot,' further illustrating the societal tendency to view single women as incomplete or lacking.

Victor Jara, a renowned Chilean singer-songwriter and social activist, was known for his poignant and often politically charged music. His style blends folk traditions with contemporary issues, making his songs both timeless and relevant. In "La edad de la mujer," Jara uses humor and satire to critique the societal norms that dictate a woman's worth based on her marital status. The song encourages listeners to question and challenge these outdated beliefs, promoting a more inclusive and understanding view of women's choices and lives.