Vuelvo para vivir

The song 'Vuelvo para vivir' by Illapu is a poignant reflection on the experience of returning home after a period of exile or absence. The lyrics express a deep longing for the homeland, its landscapes, and its people. The repeated phrase 'Vuelvo, amor vuelvo' emphasizes the artist's emotional and physical journey back to the roots, to quench the thirst for belonging and to live fully in one's own country.

Illapu, a Chilean folk and Andean music group, is known for their songs that often touch on themes of social justice, love, and cultural identity. In 'Vuelvo para vivir,' the group captures the essence of homecoming and the mixed emotions that accompany it. The mention of leaving behind 'penas y desvelos' (sorrows and sleepless nights) suggests a past filled with struggles, possibly hinting at political exile, which was a common experience during the times of dictatorship in South America. The song also carries a message of hope and resilience, as the return is not just to the physical place but to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

The song's narrative also touches on the unchanged reality of the homeland, despite the 'nuevo de cemento' (new face of concrete). It speaks to the enduring spirit of the people who continue to seek 'Más justicia, menos monumentos' (more justice, fewer monuments), indicating a desire for societal change and improvement over superficial progress. 'Vuelvo para vivir' is a testament to the enduring connection to one's roots and the universal desire to return to a place of origin to find peace and a sense of completion.