La canción quiere

Alfredo Zitarrosa's 'La canción quiere' is a powerful milonga that serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the people. The song is a mature fruit from the 'tree of the People,' symbolizing the collective experiences and struggles of the working class and marginalized communities. Zitarrosa's lyrics emphasize that his song, though it may face death, is determined to sing only to Life, which never forgets it. This personification of the song as a living entity that fears neither bullets nor bombs underscores its role as a fearless messenger of truth and resistance.

The song carries a duality in its essence, holding both a flower and a thorn, water and flour, symbolizing beauty and pain, sustenance and struggle. It sings for love and money, likening itself to a laborer, thus highlighting the intersection of art and labor. The references to historical figures like Gancio, Mora, Fernández, and Mendiola, who were likely significant in the context of social and political movements, suggest that the song does not stand alone but is part of a larger collective memory and struggle.

Zitarrosa's song also embodies a protective nature, wanting to be a flower that closes like a fist, asking for care and protection. This imagery conveys the idea of beauty that is ready to defend itself, a delicate yet strong entity. The mention of 'the most beloved Life, the disarmed one' poignantly refers to the vulnerable and oppressed, those who have been stripped of their defenses. The dedication in the original 1972 version to various individuals, including workers and students who were martyrs, further cements the song's role as a tribute to those who have sacrificed for the cause. 'La canción quiere' is not just a song; it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of the people and their unyielding fight for justice and remembrance.