Lejos del amor

Illapu's song 'Lejos del amor' (Far from Love) is a poignant reflection on displacement and the search for belonging. The lyrics paint a picture of various subjects - gaviotas (seagulls), children, and lovers - all found in places where they seemingly do not belong. The repetition of the question 'que hacen aquí' (what are they doing here) emphasizes a sense of dislocation and confusion. The imagery of gaviotas far from the sea, children away from home, and lovers in an unexpected setting, all contribute to a narrative of alienation and the yearning for a return to a natural or rightful state of being.

The chorus, with its references to being 'far from love' and 'far from heaven,' suggests a deeper existential longing, a feeling of being lost or out of place in the world. The soulful melody and the evocative language used by Illapu, a Chilean folk group known for their Andean music and politically charged lyrics, often explore themes of social justice and cultural identity. In this song, they may be touching on the broader human condition, as well as commenting on specific social issues such as migration, displacement, or the loss of cultural roots.

The repeated lines at the end of the song serve to reinforce the central theme of the song - a quest for meaning and place in a world that can often feel indifferent to individual struggles. The song's melancholic tone and its questioning nature invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of feeling out of place or disconnected from their surroundings or loved ones.