La Hermanita Perdida (part. Lolita Torres)

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song "La Hermanita Perdida" is a poignant tribute to the Malvinas Islands, known in English as the Falkland Islands, and their significance to Argentina. The lyrics, which feature a collaboration with Lolita Torres, evoke a deep sense of national identity and the collective yearning for the return of the islands to Argentine sovereignty. The song's title, which translates to 'The Lost Little Sister,' metaphorically represents the Malvinas as a beloved part of the Argentine family that has been separated from the mainland.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the natural beauty of the sea that surrounds the islands, using imagery of 'great blue waves' and 'white foam lace' to convey the majesty of the landscape. This natural splendor is juxtaposed with the political reality of the islands being under British control, described as 'a captive land of a blond pirate time.' Yupanqui's words are a call to his fellow Argentines to remember the Malvinas and to keep alive the hope of their return. The mention of 'twenty million' calling the islands 'sister' emphasizes the collective sentiment of the Argentine people.

The song also touches on themes of cultural identity and heritage, as it speaks of filling the islands with 'criollos' (people of Spanish descent born in the Americas) and 'tanning' their faces, which symbolizes instilling the traditional Argentine spirit into the land. The desire to see the Argentine flag 'clavada' (planted) on the islands reflects the longing for political resolution and national unity. Overall, Yupanqui's song is a powerful expression of patriotism, memory, and the enduring hope for the Malvinas to be recognized as an integral part of Argentina.