Romance Del Enamorado y La Muerte

Victor Jara's "Romance Del Enamorado y La Muerte" is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the themes of love and mortality. The lyrics tell the story of a dream in which the protagonist is visited by a figure much whiter than the cold snow, who turns out to be Death personified, not the beloved the dreamer was expecting. This encounter with Death is unexpected and unwelcome, as the dreamer pleads for more time to live, even if just for an hour.

The song continues with a sense of urgency as the protagonist dresses quickly and rushes to the beloved's house, seeking refuge and a final moment of solace. However, the beloved is unable to open the door, citing the inopportune timing and the presence of her parents. The protagonist warns that if the door remains closed tonight, it will never be opened for him again, as Death is on his heels. In a desperate attempt to be together, the beloved offers to lower a silk cord, even willing to add her braids to it if the cord is not long enough. Tragically, the cord breaks, and Death arrives to claim the lover, signifying that their time is up.

Victor Jara's rendition of this traditional Spanish ballad is filled with metaphorical imagery and a deep sense of fatalism. The song reflects on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life and love. Jara's folk music style, with its simple yet profound storytelling, captures the essence of human emotions and the universal experience of dealing with loss and the finality of life.