Silencio

Alfredo Le Pera's song 'Silencio' is a poignant and evocative piece that delves into themes of war, loss, and the enduring hope of a mother. The song opens with a serene image of nighttime silence, where physical exertion and ambition take a momentary pause. This tranquility is juxtaposed with the tender scene of a mother singing to her child, symbolizing the purity and hope that children represent for their parents.

The narrative then shifts to a broader family context, describing a mother with five sons who are her pride and joy. These sons, who once brought her daily happiness, are now called to war, a clarion call that disrupts the peace and leads to the brutal reality of conflict. The song poignantly captures the transformation from a peaceful domestic life to the chaos and bloodshed of war, specifically referencing the fields of France, likely alluding to the World Wars.

As the song progresses, it reflects on the aftermath of war. The once vibrant life has given way to a somber reality where the mother is left alone, her sons having become heroes at the cost of their lives. The 'five medallas' she receives are a bittersweet reminder of her loss and the ultimate sacrifice her children made. The song closes with a return to silence, but this time it is a silence filled with the distant echoes of other mothers singing lullabies, symbolizing the cyclical nature of hope and despair. 'Silencio' is a powerful meditation on the personal costs of war and the enduring strength of maternal love.