1977

Ana Tijoux's '1977' is not just a song but a personal narrative that delves into the artist's formative years, reflecting on her identity and the socio-political climate that influenced her upbringing. Born in 1977, a year marked by the Chinese zodiac sign of the snake, Tijoux uses her birth year as a framework to explore her past. The lyrics suggest a sense of predestination ('Planeta mercurio / Y el año de la serpiente'), hinting at astrology and fate playing a role in her life's journey. The mention of 'sin o patente' (without a patent) and a tattoo on her forehead could symbolize the indelible mark of her birth year and its significance.

The song progresses through Tijoux's life, from her birth to her adolescence. She describes her early experiences with pain and learning, using metaphors like 'el cuerpo es bateria / Y la cabeza guitarra' (the body is a battery and the head a guitar) to convey her growth and the harmony between her physical and intellectual selves. The 'libro abierto' (open book) that she once was becomes more guarded as she learns the 'letra pequeña' (fine print) of life. Tijoux also touches on the challenges she faced, such as feeling powerless ('mi primera impotencia') and dealing with the complexities of growing up.

The repeated refrain '1977 no me digan no / Que uno lo preciente / Todo lo que cambia lo hara diferente' emphasizes the idea that intuition ('lo preciente') and change shape our lives in unforeseen ways. The year 1977, for Tijoux, represents a time of transformation and the beginning of her journey towards self-discovery and artistic expression. The song is a testament to her resilience and the formative power of her experiences, set against the backdrop of Chile's political unrest during her childhood.